ST HELENS looked to be coasting for victory when they were frustrated by the weather.

Chasing the 190 set by Orrell Red Triangle, they had reached 162-4 when the umpries decided to bring them off in the light drizzle.

Local interest in the Orrell ranks was provided by David Leather (36) and Steve Tickle (11) but it was captain Pegg scoring 49 not out at number eight which enabled the target of 190-8 to be set.

Gary Sheppard (2-44) Bappa Mukherjee (3-44) and Phil Roughley (3-42) were the wicket takers.

Darren Tyms continued with his good form to score 86 in double quick time and with the assistance of Roger Burrows (26) and Gareth Davies (15) a St Helens win looked inevitable. Bappa Mukherjee was on 28 not out hitting 6 fours in an attempt to win the game before the rain came but the intervention of the umpires saved the game for Orrell and prevented St Helens from going second in the league table.

The same two teams do battle in the next round of the Echo Cup tomorrow (Friday).

Just a few miles away at Windleshaw Road the second teams also drew with St Helens hanging on at 98-9, chasing 162-6 declared.

Craig Orrick made a welcome return to the side with 4-33 and 30 with the bat.

Sunday's third team encounter with Leigh saw St Helens chasing 160 all out.

Brian Holmes (3-39) Bobby Kenny (3-47) Neil Hull (2-31) and Ken Jordan (2-7) all bowled well but the batting once again failed with only Neil Hull (25) and Bobby Kenny (15) making any impact.

St Helens first team take on Hightown at Windleshaw Road on Saturday. This game includes a Past Players Reunion with a buffet lunch served at 1pm.

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