ST HELENS failed to reach the semi-final of the Echo Cup after the early batsmen gave their wickets away with reckless shots.

Only Darren Tyms (11) and Ian Mackus (15) reached double figures and it was left to number seven Adam Friar to top score with 22 out of a total of 86.

Newton-le-Willows reached the target for three wickets, all falling to Bappa Mukherjee (3-16).

The Saturday league game against Huyton was a different story when Tyms (31) Horabin (20) Mukherjee (70 not out) and Mackus (79 not out) all scored freely in the sunshine. Huyton tried seven bowlers in a vain attempt to restrict the scoring but St Helens were able to declare in the 41st over on 219-3.

The St Helens bowling followed a familiar pattern with Sheppard (1-25) and Bobby Kenny (2-42) making the early breakthrough before the spin twins Bappa Mukherjee (4-35) and Adam Friar (3-27) cleaned up the rest with 17 overs of the match still to go.

The second team at Huyton faced a daunting task as the home side piled up 247-2. Barry Jordan (1-30) and Mike Kenny (2-72) were the wicket takers. Of the total 36 came from no balls and wides as the bowlers struggled to find the right line and length. Huyton needed only 27 overs to dismiss St Helens for 122 with Ian Lawless (27) Jeff Gore (22) Mike Kenny (19) and Paul Booth (13) the best of the batsmen. Second team wicket keeper Jeff Gore's fine form this season was exemplified when he scored 100 not out for Lancashire against Yorkshire in the first match of the newly formed Disabled County Championship.

The third team entertained Ormskirk on Sunday with captain Brian Holmes declaring on 155-9.

Carl Boardman (51) and Ste Fell (46) produced their usual good start but with little support.

New recruit Simon Whatmough scored a useful 18. Sloppy fielding including several dropped catches let Ormskirk off the hook and they ran out easy winners on 156-2. Gary Dawson and Ste Fell took a wicket each.

This weekend the second team are at home to Formby on Saturday and the third team at home to Sefton on Sunday.

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