ST HELENS Recs 1st XI slumped to defeat at Formby on Saturday after surprisingly electing to bat on a wet green wicket in the hope of gaining maximum points.

This proved to be the wrong decision as the Formby bowlers performed well in restricting the scoring rate.

Andy Ford scored 19 and Sheeran top-scored with 27 before he was brilliantly run out by the home side's overseas player, Marshall.

The Recs later batsmen failed to perform and wickets fell steadily as they were eventually all out for 108 from 45.2 overs.

In reply, Formby never looked in trouble as Marshall steered them to victory with an unbeaten 53 as they eased to 110-3 from 27 overs.

Due to rain neither the 2nd XI or 3rd JP sides bowled a ball at Ruskin Drive.

This week the 1st XI travel to Orrell Red Triangle on Saturday, the match

being sponsored by A. E. Burrows Newsagents, Haydock.