ST HELENS 1st XI entertained Liverpool and slipped to a two-wicket defeat.

The homesters batted first, and although Craig Horabin and Darren Tyms scored 38 each, some hostile bowling from Sajid Shah 8-24 ripped them apart.

Liverpool were made to fight all the way and if it had not been for Lancashire wicket keeper Jamie Haynes (44), the game may have gone St Helens' way.

Liverpool reached the target with eight wickets down, with Gary Sheppard (4-50), Mark Potter (2 -27) and Adam Friar (2-14) taking the wickets. On Saturday the 1st XI are away to Bolton.

The seconds were in action at Northop Hall and after winning the toss, asked the home side to bat.

Northop Hall found the track to their liking and declared on 204-8 in 42 overs. Ian Greener took 4-28 and Dan Massey 2-53.

St Helens finished on 203-9, with Dan Massey hitting 56, Dave Lowe 42, Steve Fell 34 and Phil Mitchell hitting 19.