ST HELENS 1st XI claimed a very good scalp in defeating fourth placed Hightown on Saturday.

After losing the toss St Helens were put into bat and were 177 all out.

Solid knocks from M. Potter (23), C. Horabin (21) and R. Burrows (20) saw the Windleshaw Roaders going along nicely at 99-3, but within 12 overs they were 124-9.

A last-wicket stand of 53 from G. Davies (40) and G. Sheppard (13 n.o.) enabled St Helens to reach 177 all out in 52 overs.

In reply Hightown were 145 all out in 37 overs. Adam Friar took 5-43 and Mark Potter 3-32 to seal a very good win.

On Sunday the 1st XI were away to Liverpool, who batted first and made 164-6 in 50 overs.

Mark Potter (2-40) overs and Adam Friar (2-63) were the pick of the bowlers. In reply, St Helens were 102 all out with only Craig Horabin (25) and Steve Kenny (18) making any impression in a poor batting display.

The 2nd XI were away to Fleetwood Hesketh and made 191-3 declared from 45 overs, thanks mostly to a superb innings by David Lowe (99 n.o.) and Daniel Massey (52) in a third-wicket partnership of 148.

In reply, Fleetwood Hesketh made 192-4 as the St Helens bowlers disappointed.

The thirds travelled to Fleetwood Hesketh and were 138 all out with Gareth Griffiths (28), Mark Finney (25) and Barry Fee (28 n.o.) the principal scorers. The home team, in reply, could only muster 118 all out as Gareth Parson (3-32), Karl Moss (4-48) and Paul Booth (2-12) as St Helens won by 20 runs.

This week's fixtures sees St Helens 1st XI away to Orrell RT on Saturday and to Leigh on Sunday in the Chelmere Homes Trophy second round. On Saturday the 2nd XI are at home to Hightown and on Sunday face Leigh at home in the second round of the Chester Cup.