OWENS Corning St Helens Recs were unable to force a result in a close and hard fought game against Newton-le-Willows.

Batting first on a slow low wicket, Newton's opening partnership of Scothern and Holcroft started steadily, profiting from some sloppy Recs outfielding as they posted a half century partnership before Holcroft (13) became the first of wicketkeeper Morrison's two catches from the bowling of Scott Williams.

Scothern continued with the help of Hawthornethwaite and the pair progressed well until Hawthornethwaite (28) became one of Steve Martindale's victims as he was well stumped by Morrison.

Walkenden, missed at slip from Martindale early in his innings, went on to score 33 before he again misjudged the leg-spinner and was bowled. Phil Baines accounted for Scothern, whose 47 was the foundation of the home sides innings, and Stephen Garvey bowled Murnan. However, it was the leg-spin and googlies of Steve Martindale that caused the home batsmen constant trouble as he took four wickets in a total of 198-8 declared after 49 overs.

Left a possible 42 overs Ian Huyton and Stu Lyon gave Recs one of their better starts as Huyton scored 33 before being lbw to former Recs player Frodsham.

Stu Lyon continued to bat fluently adding a further 30 runs with Williams before Lyon fell for 42. Scott Williams then dominated the innings hitting both 4's and 6's, and with Hitchmough guided the Ruskin side towards their target. With four overs left Recs needed 28 with 8 wickets remaining and looked to be on course for a victory. However, the loss of Hitchmough for 30 caused the Recs innings to lose momentum and when Williams went for an excellent 52 the remaining batsmen were left to throw the bat in an attempt to take 12 from the final over and unfortunately paid the price as professional Mike Scothern picked up three wickets to leave Recs agonisingly close on 192-7.

The seconds endured an equally frustrating day as they were dismissed for 108, Mark Potter top scoring with a gutsy 30, Scott taking an excellent 6-13 for Newton. In reply John Howden, the pick of the Recs bowlers, and Potter each took a brace of wickets but it proved not to be enough as the visitors passed the total for the loss of six wickets.

The weather played a major role in Recs 150th Anniversary Cricket week but could not prevent some enjoyable games taking place, notably against a President's XI, a Scott Williams Overseas XI and a Cowley XI, whilst the Sportsman's Dinner with Fred Trueman proved an outstanding success, enjoyed by all.

This weekend Recs play their Echo KO quarter-final at Bootle and on Saturday entertain Northern at Ruskin Drive in games sponsored by Rhodes Printing and Sportsmatch.

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