ST HELENS attempt to buy wickets at the expense of runs proved a disaster on Saturday as Fleetwood Hesketh scored the winner with one ball left.

St Helens won the toss and batted first in glorious sunshine with Darren Tyms (52) Ian Mackus (59) and Steve Kenny (51 not out) making good use of a firm track and fast outfield. Captain Neil Woods called a halt at 216-5 leaving his bowlers 53 overs to win the game. Unfortunately the home batsmen had not read the script and despite losing a wicket in the first over kept the scoreboard ticking over until with eight wickets down and two overs left both sides were in with a chance of winning. Home batsman P Regan swung the bat in cavalier fashion with St Helens fielders clustered round the wicket to score 28 off the last two overs and win the game.

Gary Sheppard (2-24) was the pick of the bowlers with Adam Friar (2-49) Bobby Kenny (1-32) Bappa Mukherjee (1-58) and Phil Roughley (1-45) the other wicket takers.

The second team fared better at home against Bolton and decided to have first use of the pitch. Craig Horabin opened the innings and carried his bat for an excellent 100 not out. David Lowe (46) and Daniel Massey (22) gave support from the other end to enable a declaration to be made at 193-4 in the 42nd over. In a close finish Bolton were eventually dismissed 14 runs short to give St Helens a well deserved victory and move up to sixth in the league. Ian Davies took the bowling honours with 4-19 with Mike Kenny (3-27) and Daniel Massey (2-32) giving good support.

The third team entertained St Helens Recs at Windleshaw Road on Sunday and at 64-7 were left praying for rain to save them from certain defeat. Their prayers were duly answered and the rest of the proceedings were washed out in a thunder storm.

This Saturday the Recs first team are at Windleshaw Road with both St Helens sides locked together at fourth and fifth in the league table which should add on extra spice to what is usually a close fought contest.

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