ST HELENS' miserable season continued when they handed victory on a plate to Fleetwood Hesketh on Saturday. Opposition opener Sykes survived two strong appeals to make 85 out of 211-8. Adam Friar took the bowling honours with 4-60, openers Gary Sheppard (1-68) and Bobby Kenny (1-62) deserved better and Mark Potter came on at the end to take 2 -6. Neil Woods excelled behind the stumps with two catches and three stumpings.

St Helens started badly losing three top batsmen for 42 runs but a 98-run partnership between Neil Woods (53) and Adam Friar (45) gave false hopes of a win.

Wickets then fell in quick succession as St Helens slumped from 140-3 to 156 all out in seven overs.

The second team looking for a win in the reverse fixture dismissed Fleetwood Hesketh for 177 in 55 overs. Ian McCabe (4-16) and Ian Davies (4-67) took the bowling honours with support from Karl Moss (2-39).

However, the batting could not reach a winning total and youngsters Ian Valentine (31) and Phil Mitchell (27) top scored with Ian Davies chipping in with 15 out of an all out total of 111 with one over to go.

The highlight of the third team drawn game against St Helens Recs was a hat-trick by Alan Sheppard. The Bank Holiday Monday fixture against Bolton at Windleshaw Road fell victim to the weather while the second team at Bolton played in glorious sunshine.

Batting first, St Helens declared at 162 for 4 with Craig Horrobin on 55 and Darren Tyms 37. It proved not to be enough to prevent Bolton winning with a score of 166-7, Alan Sheppard taking 3 for 28, Bob Kenny 2 for 49 and Darren Tyms 2 for 18.

Glorious sunshine was also the order of the day at Trent Bridge Nottingham where the Lancashire Disabled Cricket team retained the county title with a comprehensive victory over Wales thanks to a fine 107 from local cricketer Jeff Gore out of a total of 236 for 3. Wales were dismissed for 70.

This Saturday St Helens first team are at Liverpool while the seconds face Colwyn Bay at Windleshaw Road.