THE first day of St Helens CC's new season saw excellent wins for both first and second teams against tough opposition.

The first team, away to Formby in the Penketh Trophy, allowed the home side to get off to a quickfire start with New Zealander James Marshall (58) scoring eight fours in succession.

The introduction of spin changed the situation rapidly with Bapa Mukhergee bowling eight very tight overs for 10 runs and Adam Friar (5-44) removing both openers in one over. Ian Mackus needed only nine balls to remove the last two batsmen for one run and Formby collapsed to 156 all out having been 94-0.

Phil Roughley (70) anchored the St Helens innings in fine style with able assistance from Roger Burrows (16), Bapa Mukhergee (31) and Neil Woods (12) but the result was in doubt right to the end with Adam Frier (9 not out) hitting the winning runs in the last over.

The second team also beat Formby at home scoring 177-7, thanks to a good start by Craig Horrabin (20) and Mike Kenny (32) plus a good finish by Ste Fell (23 not out) and Ian Davies turning back the years to score 46 not out off 48 balls.

The bowlers restricted the visitors to 144-7 at the close with Bobby Kenny returning 2 for 16.

On Sunday the third team lost to a strong Southport side who scored 171 for eight declared. Luke Booth was the best of the home bowlers with 4 for 74 off 18 overs supported by Brian Holmes (1-47) and Paul Booth (1-11). Saints were dismissed for 93 with only Phil Dennett (17) Brian Holmes (16) and Paul Booth (14) reaching double figures in difficult conditions.

The Millennium committee are holding a buffet lunch with entertainment this Sunday. Tickets are £5 each.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.