AFTER an excellent win over Hightown a week earlier in which Scott Williams scored 91 and Stephen Garvey claimed 6-48, Owens Corning St Helens Recs produced one of their poorest showing for many seasons on Saturday.

They crumbled to 82 all out against Competition leaders and fellow Liverpool Echo KO finalists Wallasey.

There were no excuses from Recs as they chose to bat on one one of the better wickets of the season.

And despite the presence of Zimbabwean Test opening bowler Bryan Strang in the Wallasey line-up, it was Anderson (4-16) and Hemsworth (3-22) who caused the Ruskin batsmen the most trouble.

For Recs Mike Tarran showed great application and no lack of technique as he top scored with 29. But when he fell to Anderson the contest was virtually over as Recs succumbed to 82.

In reply, Wallasey set off like a train as Beaver and Eagles both looked to play shots.. And although Tarran took Beaver's wicket for 37 the home sided had little trouble overhauling the target for a nine-wicket victory.

The seconds also lost. but in the final over of a much better game at Ruskin. Set a total of 182, recs were on target until Ste Bond fell for a fine 62. With eight needed off the final over Shaun Murray, Recs' last hope, was stumped for 23 as Wallasey triumphed by four runs. The under 18s were toast of the club this week, though, as skipper David Taylor lifted the Wigan and District KO Trophy against Wigan.

Batting first, Recs posted a formidable 118 thanks to good knocks from Mike Pilkington (47 not out) and Ian Orford (32).

Mike Sheeran and Shaun Murray took the early wickets as Recs then struggled to gain the upper hand against a spirited home side. Sean Casham looked to be a potential match winner for the home side but when he fell lbw to Murray, the Ruskin side pressed home to record a memorable victory.

This weekend Recs entertain New Brighton on Saturday and travel to Wallasey on Sunday for the Liverpool Echo KO final (11am)

Match balls are sponsored by Sparks Light and Sound, Owens Corning and Sportsmatch.

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