GIANT West Indian fast bowler Marlon Black was the difference between the sides as St Helens lost to Huyton on Saturday.

The St Helens bowlers were on top in the first innings with only Huyton captain Mark Wilkie (58) making any impression in an all out total of 141.

Bobby Kenny (4-43), Gary Sheppard (3-23), Adam Friar (2-14) and Paul Newman (1-40) all made good use of an unpredictable wicket.

Marlon Black's height and pace made even better use of it to take 7-27 and break the back of St Helens batting line up by removing Friar, Hull and Potter in successive balls. As Black tired in the later stages, runs became a little easier to come by and Paul Newman (26), Gary Sheppard (18) and Bobby Kenny (18) led a great fight back before being bowled out for 108.

The Second team at home against Huyton won yet again to maintain their pressure on league leaders Newton-le-Willows. Ste Fell maintained his recent good form with 81 and Ian Lawless (38) and Craig Horrabin (36) did enough for a declaration at 181 for 2 off 44 overs. Fell followed his good batting with an equally good bowling performance to take 4-41, ably supported by Ian McCabe (3-35), Adrian Bullock (1-18) and Alan Sheppard (1-27) to close the innings on 134 all out.

Sunday saw the Lancashire disabled Cricket team take on Shropshire at Windleshaw Road and power to an impressive victory by removing the visitors for 32 all out. Jeff Gore and Paul Blackburn opened the innings and easily passed the winning total without losing a wicket. The game was over before the tea interval and the two teams continued to entertain the spectators after tea in a 35 over friendly which Lancashire also won.

Congratulations to Jeff Gore who plays for England on Wednesday against the Prison Officers Association at Ainsworth Cricket Club, Bury.

This Saturday St Helens take on Caldy at Windleshaw Road and the Third Team are away to Bootle.