IN what surely must be one of the best all round performances ever seen at Ruskin Drive, Queensland all-rounder Scott Williams allowed Owens Corning St Helens Recs to record an emphatic 135-run victory over hapless visitors Birkenhead Park and pick up a maximum 24 points.

Batting first, Recs lost skipper Alan Hitchmough to the second delivery of the game and were in further trouble when they were reduced to 15-2 by Park's opening bowler Finegan.

On one of Ruskin's quicker bouncier wickets that was conductive to seam bowling, Scott Williams then took centre stage and proceeded to hit an undefeated 118, peppered with four sixes and 12 fours.

The innings however, was not only memorable for the powerful hitting but also for the control shown throughout as Williams picked off the visiting bowlers despite the fact that wickets continued to fall around him.

Stephen Garvey showed maturity in supporting Williams and together they added 40 for the fifth wicket before Garvey fell for a more than useful 18. Gary Freeman, with 15 not out, took up where Garvey had left off and with Williams took the score to 183, as the big Australian passed the century mark, ending on 118 not out from only 124 balls as Recs declared on 183-7 after 42 overs.

If Williams' innings had left visitors Park a little downcast what was to follow destroyed any remaining morale they could muster as both Williams and Garvey tore in to the batting with a vengeance.

The Recs fielders responded by giving an impeccable showing in the field as both wicket-keeper Gary Morrison and Alan Hitchmough took stunning catches from Williams. The visiting batsmen got no respite from the pace and swing of Williams as Stephen Garvey also picked up two early and well deserved wickets.

There then followed a remarkable period of play as Birkenhead lost five wickets for only four runs to leave them at an incredible 18-9.

At this stage rain intervened and it looked for a time as if Recs were going to be robbed of a memorable victory.

In the stoppages and restarts of play Park managed through some courageous batting from McCormick (15) and Hobden (14 not out) to raise the total to 47-9 before Williams capped an outstanding performance by having McCormick caught behind to finish with figures of 6-24, Stephen Garvey turning in an equally impressive performance of 4-22 as Birkenhead were finally dismissed for 48.

The seconds could not manage the same feat at Birkenhead but were involved in an exciting game as Park posted 183-9, with the Recs' teenage 'spin twins' of leg-spinner Stephen Martindale and Mark Potter taking four and three wickets respectively.

In reply Terry Keane's fine form with the bat continued as he hit 75 not out, and with captain Neil Aconley (43) gave Recs a good chance of overhauling the total before Recs were forced to hold on for an exciting draw at 177-9.

Stan Houghton's third eleven also claimed a victory for the Recs, although despite Ste Woods 40 and Dave Sharrocks 32, the home side could only post a score of 135 all out. Dave Sharrock then starred with the ball taking 5-32 while Rob Stocks also figured, taking the vital wicket as Leigh were dismissed for 98.

The under 13s accounted for Norley Hall as the home side were dismissed for 59, Henshall, Plumbley and Anderton all-bowling well and taking wickets. In reply, Leonard with 40, Roberts with 33 and Ford with 22 ensured the Ruskin side passed the Norley total with ease, losing only four wickets.

The weekend sees Recs with no Saturday fixtures but tomorrow (Friday) they entertain Sefton at Ruskin in what promises to be an exciting Echo KO fixture. The match starts at 6.15pm and is sponsored by Excel Logistics.

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