ST HELENS CC suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Newton-le-Willows at the weekend.

They were never in the hunt after crashing to 73 all out losing the last six wickets for eight runs in the process. Only Roger Burrows (22) and Bappa Mukherjee (17) reached double figures while Aran Scott took 7-16 for the visitors.

The bowlers strived manfully to defend the meagre total with Adam Friar bowling particually well to take 3-18 and Gary Sheppard 1-12 but it was never enough and Newton reached 74-4 in just 34 overs.

The seconds crossed the border into Wales and returned with the points after a close encounter with Northrop Hall. A good start by openers Craig Horabin (21) and David Lowe (24) was followed by an even better finish from Phil Dennett (21) Ian Davies (54 not out) and Bobby Kenny (38 not out) giving captain Ian Lawlers the luxury of a declaration at 188-7.

Davies and Kenny followed their heroic exploits with the bat by top bowling performances taking 4-28 and 3-33 respectively, Dave Challinor (2-32) and Mike Kenny 1-24 completed the job leaving the home side 12 runs short of victory and St Helens celebrating an excellent win.

The third team lost to Oxton in the Embee Trophy on Sunday with only Karl Boardman (20) and Paul Booth (10) reaching double figures in a score of 63 all out. Oxton needed less than 18 overs to reach their target with Daniel Massey (2-19) and Brian Holmes (1-15) taking the only wickets to fall.

This Saturday Maghull return to Windleshaw Road determined to avenge their earlier defeat in the Penketh Trophy.

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