A DEPLETED Eccleston team were beaten at Hindley on Saturday.

Put into bat, Hindley made139-8. Pick of the Eccleston bowlers were R Creak with (5-29) and Johnson (3-34).

When Eccleston batted a lack of experience told and they were unable to reach the Hindley total being bowled out for 102. Top score was R Massey 32 with J Parry 23, K Smith 23 and J Johnson 14.

On Sunday Eccleston First XI were involved in cup action against Billinge. Batting first Billinge amassed 237-1. Walsh top scored 96 not out, Smith 87 and Middlehurst 37 not out. The Eccleston bowlers took a beating. Connor 1-39 was the only wicket taker, but mention must go to A Elliott who bowled eight overs for 14 runs.

When Eccleston batted only Atherton reached double figures with 18 not out and they were all out for 66. The successful Billinge bowlers were Dillon (3-17) and Walsh (4-6). In the Sunday section league game Eccleston travelled to Standish. Eccleston stormed to 208 all out and then bowled Standish out for 130. The most successful bowler for Eccleston was Devereux 4-27 well supported by Cross 3-23. But a mention goes to David Ellis who had 2-3 from only nine deliveries. Match ball sponsors - Safepack Packaging (Weatherby) Ltd.