ST HELENS Recs claimed a great derby victory at neighbours St Helens.

And it lifted them off the bottom of the Division One tabel at the expense of their hosts.

Surprised to be asked to bat first, Recs made a solid start with Ford (22) and Lyon (48) batting well against the pace attack of Newman (2-47) and Sheppard (2-36). Newman returns to Australia this week with the memory of his last ball of the season disappearing into the pavilion for six off the bat of Stuart Lyon.

The introduction of Kenny (3-49) and Friar (2-24) slowed the scoring rate down but Recs were happy to go in for tea at 171 all out off 55 overs.

Paul Ford (15), Tarren (14), Garvey (12) and Malone (12) were the other main contributors for the visitors while David Lowe had an excellent day in the field taking two good catches and running out Paul Ford with an accurate throw from the deep.

St Helens made an excellent start with 17 off the first two overs but once the openers Burrows (29) and Tyms (29) departed, the wickets fell at regular intervals with only Gary Sheppard (19 not out) and Davies (11) reaching double figures.

The final wicket fell with two overs to go at 136 all out. Martindale took the bowling honours for the visitors with 4-44 supported by Galbraith (3-25), Garvey (2-37) and Freeman (1-13). The match was sponsored by Ray Howard.

The Third team travelled to Ormskirk who elected to bat, declaring after 41 overs on 186- 5. Luke Booth continued his good spell with two for 36, Rob Supria took 2-43 and Steve Jordan, still not back to full fitness, 1-43.

The St Helens batting was not up to a winning total and despite good knocks from Paul Booth (22), Karl Boardman (21) and Ian Valentine (13) they were eventually dismissed for 91, narrowly failing to obtain a draw with two overs of the match to go.

This weekend the Seconds play at home to Fleetwood Hesketh on Saturday, the Thirds entertain St Helens Recs on Sunday and the first team play Bolton at home on Bank Holiday Monday.