ST HELENS Recs enjoyed a fine weekend with good performances by all sides.

The first eleven entertained Huyton at Ruskin Drive with Recs batting first. Australian Paul Toole hit a magnificent 85 not out including two sixes and nine fours. He shared in two good partnerships, the first being 80 with S Lyon (42) and then 60 with M Tarran (29 not out), these along with scores from I Huyton (23) and S Martindale (23) enabled Recs to declare at 224-4 from 52 overs.

Huyton's innings started poorly with Paul Ford taking two quick wickets and they were on the defensive at 43-3. S Martindale had Huyton's Australian pro, Barnes, stumped by Morrison before a partnership developed between Grimalbi (44) and Conlan (43).

Wickets continued to fall leaving the visitors at 102-6. In stepped captain Wilkey who smashed 73 off 56 balls in on a stand of 110 for the seventh wicket.

This left Huyton needing only 14 to win with four wickets and six overs left. Ford and Howden were brought back into the attack both making an immediate impact, Ford bowled Conlan and Howden bowled Wilkey.

Howden then took another caught behind which left Ford to take the last wicket LBW leaving Huyton on 218 all out ensuring a thrilling victory.

Bowlers of note were Ford 4-31, Freeman 3-57 and Howden 2-31.

The second XI also had a good victory in the opposite fixture. Huyton, batting first, were restricted to 162-7 declared with the every young Illidge taking 3-25 and skipper Aconley 3-44. Recs then batted sensibly with Vinny Wood playing a stalwarts innings reaching 59 before being dismissed, he was ably supported by M Pilkington (39) and with Orford chipping in with 20 not out at the death Recs passed the Huyton score reaching 165-5.

The only blemish of the weekend was the third SH playing New Brighton KJ.

New Brighton batting first reached 184-6 but should never have reached the total having been reduced to 100-6 by the fiery pace of newcomer Galbraith (5-32).

In reply Recs looked in little trouble reaching 102-1 going into the last 20 overs but some negative cricket by New Brighton forced the Recs batsmen into some reckless shots chasing the total and ended up losing the last wicket in the last over with the score on 176.

On Sunday the third XI played Leigh in the Embee Knockout trophy.

Putting the visitors in to bat Recs then produced a stunning bowling and fielding display dismissing the opposition for 88.

The pick of the bowlers was Chorley (3-21) and Gregson 5-2. Recs then quietly set about achieving the total and with Logans quick fire 21 and Dunbars more sedate 21 not out Recs easily reached 89-4 to win comfortably.

This week the second XI are at home to Marchwiel, the ball being sponsored by Sherdley Tyres.

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