IF you like cricket played in the dark using a bar of soap for a ball then Windleshaw Road was the place to be on Saturday when St Helens entertained Oxton.

After a two hour delay for rain the visitors had no intention of making a game of it and occupied the crease for 42 overs scoring 187 for 1 declared.

Brett Saunders followed his 102 not out with three wickets for 20 in the 22 overs St Helens were allowed with Gareth Davies (33) Ian Mackus (21) and Phil Roughley (31 not out) batting well in the circumstances.

The second team also drew at Oxton with Paul Keenaghan continuing his good form with 82 and Paul Booth, enjoying his first game in the seconds, batting well at the end to ensure the draw.

The third team, playing a man short, lost to New Brighton who were dismissed for 137. Karl Moss bowled well to take 5 for 57 off 23 overs.

In reply Jamie Saunders was again amongst the runs with 27, but Ken Jordan was left stranded at the end on 27 not out.

In the Echo Cup match on Friday Bromborough Pool suffered at the hands of the Friar/Woods combination with Neil Woods claiming four stumpings and Adam Friar finishing with 6 for 18. Daniel Massey bowled an impressive opening spell to take 3 for 13.

St Helens had no problem in passing the total of 72 with Gareth Davies hitting six boundaries in succession in his 33 and Ian Mackus making a useful 26.

The under 15 side travelled to Earlestown and continued their successful season with another fine win.

The home side scored 84 for 5 thanks to a fine knock of 53 not out by Conley.

St Helens two young spinners Shailmg Naidoo and Paul Booth shared four wickets.

St Helens passed the total with two overs to spare with John Lester playing a captain's innings to score 42 not out and ending the game with a six.

Gary Griffiths again batted well with 18.

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