ST HELENS Recs grabbed a two-run victory over Hightown in a low-scoring first league game of the season on Saturday.

Losing the toss Recs were asked to bat on their own wicket. But they were soon in trouble as only Huyton (11) made double figures in the top order. Potter (14) helped steady the ship but when he was dismissed Recs were in deep trouble at 67 for 9. Captain Morrison, coming in as last man, provided Recs with a glimmer of hope.

He top scored with 19 not out and with Ford managed to push the score up to 94 before Recs were all out in the 43rd over.

In reply Hightown's batsmen were soon in trouble losing their first three wickets for only 10.

Staging a recovery the batsmen inched their way towards the target but tight bowling and fielding were the order of the day as Hightown reached 81-6. South African Faul was reintroduced into the attack and produced fine figures of 3-24 off 19 overs, but it was the spin of Freeman which swung the match, taking 4-26 off 22.4 overs. With the score on 92 -9 and only three overs left the tension was visible. In a bizarre end to a bizarre match the last batsman was run out by wicket keeper Morrison running the full length of the wicket to break the stumps at the bowlers end giving Recs victory.

The Second XI were away playing a strong Bootle side. Batting first Recs made slow progress on a difficult track. Ford (23) and Sheeran (22) batted well but it was the batting of captain Aconley (49) which enabled Recs to post a reasonable total of 150 all out from 58 overs. In reply Bootle were torn apart by a rampant Recs bowling attack. Howden (3 for 16 off 6 overs) and Galbraith (2 for 17 off 7 overs) ripped through the top half of the order but it was left to Matty Aconley (3 for 4 off 3 overs) and Tarran (2 for 0 off 2.4 overs) to wrap up the tail leaving Bootle 44 all out.

The Third SH XI continued their good form defeating Southport at Ruskin.

Southport were bowled out for 76. Sharrock (4 for 13 off 18 overs) and Chorley (4 for 25 off 14 overs) were the pick of the bowlers. In reply Hull (27) and Keane (18) took the score to 41 for the loss of only one wicket. However, f Recs then made hard work of it before a mighty six from Sharrock sealed victory at 77-6.

The Third DG XI beat Liverpool 4 at Aigburth.

And capping a fine weekend for Recs the Third XI beat Northern in the first round of the Embee knockout on Sunday.

This weekend the First XI are away at Worsley, the ball being sponsored by J J Albin Haulage.

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