THE spoils were shared when St Helens clashed with neighbours Newton-le-Willows at Crow Lane on Saturday.

But it was a close-run thing.

Newton's Aussie, Rob Turnbull, was fortunate to survive a first ball LBW decision and went on to score 81 to ensure the draw. Earlier St Helens had crashed to 8-3 before Roughley (50) Tyms (62) and Banerjee (54 not out) clawed the game back to a respectable score of 210-7. Banerjee decided to make the umpires redundant by clean bowling Boardman and Walkden finishing with 2-46.

The second team lost at home to Newton after restricting the visitors to 172-4 declared.

Too many batsmen lacked application in a disappointing total of 120 all out.

Paul Kennaghan (29) and Daniel Massey (30) were the best of the home batsmen.

The third team cup match against Wigan was also lost. St Helens ended their innings prematurely at 119 all out. Mark Finney top scored with 27. Five other batsmen reached double figures, but lost concentration at vital moments. Wigan were not extended in passing Saints score for five wickets with former Windleshaw Road man Paul Griffiths top scoring with 35 not out.

Former skipper Geoff Cropper brings his Bolton team to Windleshaw Road this Saturday following which there is a disco with TV comic Dudley Doolittle performing.

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