ST HELENS Cricket Club snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on Sunday against Bootle.

St Helens bowlers worked hard to keep the Bootle score down to 145-8 off 40 overs, which was a fine performance against the hardest hitting team in the league.

With eight overs to go, three wickets down, and 32 to get, no one was taking bets on Bootle but St Helens lost wickets at crucial times and ended the game just three runs short.

The under 15 team maintained their unbeaten league record with a good win against Wigan thanks to John Lester's 26 not out and Shaylin Naidoo turning in another fine bowling performance to take 4 for 22 including a hat-trick.

The third team lost at home to Birkenhead Park who declared at 180 for 6. Bryan Holmes (4-57) and Karl Moss (2 for 43) were the wicket takers. Despite good knocks from Jamie Saunders (42) and Ali Cadel (40) St Helens finished on 160 all out.

Tomorrow (Friday) Northern Cricket Club are the visitors in the next round of the Echo Cup and on Saturday St Helens entertain close rivals St Helens Recs.

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