WITH the first XI having a weekend off it was time for St Helens Recs second XI to take the limelight. On Sunday the second team visited Wigan CC for the quarter final of the Chester Cup. Asked to bat first, Recs produced a dismal batting performance and it was only the sterling efforts of Bolton (38) and skipper Aconley (26) which enabled them to reach 120 all out with 10 overs still to be bowled. After the interval it was a stern faced Aconley who led his team onto the field but what must have been said during the interval certainly did the trick as Recs produced a superb fielding and bowling display. Wigan were soon put under pressure and with the score at 10-2 off 11 overs the tide started to swing back in Recs favour.

Illidge, having taken an excellent catch injuring himself in the process, then produced a masterful bowling display finishing with figures of 3-10, alongside him the other bowlers all chipped in, Howden (2-16), Aconley (2-25), Gregson (2-18) and Bolton (1-21) saw Wigan dismissed for 99 and Recs through to the semi-finals.

On Saturday they played host to Marchwiel, batting first Recs were soon in trouble but rallied later on. Martindale (54) and Potter (48 not out) shared in a fine partnership which enabled Recs to declare on 186-7 just before 45 overs had been bowled. In reply Marchwiel started slowly, Potter bowling particularly well taking 3-17 in eight overs. The visitors had reached 44-3 before rumbles of thunder were heard and with the onset of a cloudburst which left the ground under water play was abandoned for the day.

On Saturday the Third XI SH team faced league leaders Newton at Ruskin Drive. Newton elected to bat first and this was to be their downfall as the openers Chorley and Galbraith soon had them in trouble taking quick wickets. The visitors never recovered from their early losses and were bowled out for the paltry score of 69, the pick of the bowlers being Chorley (4-22), Galbraith (4-27) and Parsonage (2-9). Recs then set about slowly building a score until the first rumbles of thunder were heard upon which the scoring rate was increased dramatically. Gibson (36) was the pick of the batsmen and with help from Orford (14) and Riley (13) the Newton score was passed with the loss of only three men, the last two falling with just two runs needed.

Recs Third XI AD suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of New Brighton KW. Batting first Recs produced a poor performance being bowled out for 59 in only 22 overs. New Brighton then had no trouble in passing the score without the loss of a single wicket.

Next week the First XI are at home to Northop Hall.

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