ST HELENS CC are developing the happy knack of winning.

They notched up their first victory of the week at Orrell in th Echo Cup.

Their batsmen blasted a total of 150 in 20overs, thanks mainly to Bappa Mukherjee (37 in 23 balls) and Neil Woods (64 in 51 balls). David Leather was the best of the home bowlers with 3-29.

In reply Orrell made a brave fight but the loss of six wickets in the last seven overs kept the run chase in check and from 50-3 the home team could only muster 117 all out.

Bobby Kenny bowled particularly well to take 3-23 with Bappa Mukherjee (2-20) and Gary Sheppard (2-35) the other wicket-takers.

The following day St Helens entertained Hightown. Theirscore of 139 didn't look enough, but it was ground out against some excellent bowling with Paul Weldon for the visitors taking 7-39.

Bappa Mukherjee continued his good batting form with 32. Darren Tyms (19) Roger Burrows (25) and Neil Woods (13) all fell to Paul Weldon and it was left to Gary Sheppard batting at number 10 to give the score an air of respectability with some lusty blows in his 22.

On the resumption things were not so easy with Gary Sheppard taking two wickets in his first three balls to add to his two wickets in the last two balls of the Orrell game on the previous evening. At 103-4 and captain Ian Cropper on 63 not out the game was heading slowly but surely in Hightown's direction, but the re-introduction of Gary Sheppard put Cropper back in the pavilion and from 103-4 wickets tumbled regularly until with the score at 130-9 and the last man at the wicket a win, a draw, a lose, or a tie were all possible. With the spectators on the edge of their seats with excitement Bappa Mukherjee took a good caught and bowled to end the tension and give St Helens a welcome win.

The close finish was enjoyed by a number of past players of the club who gathered for a reunion celebration during the game.

The second team gave captain Ian Davies the rare luxury of a declaration at Hightown on 185-6. Massey (45), Jordan (33 not out) and Lowe (30) were the run makers. Unfortunately the home side also found the pitch to their liking and just ran out the winners of a hard fought contest at 186-8.

This was a particularly good performance considering four senior members of the team were drafted into the first team due to injuries and holidays. Paul Keenaghan turned in his usual good bowling figures with 3-24.

This weekend third-placed St Helens take on top-of-the table Worsley in what will be another keenly fought contest and with the team back to full strength they could inflict the first defeat of the season on them.

The seconds are at home in the reverse fixture and the third team travel to Birchfield Park.

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