OWENS Corning St Helens Recs' poor form with the bat once again left them playing out time and picking up bonus points as they drew with Oxton on Saturday.

The Recs bowlers, including Queensland all-rounder Scott Williams, who the previous week had made an impressive four-wicket debut, were confronted by the 'flattest' wicket of the season so far as the Wirral side elected to bat first.

Predictably, the wicket was dull and lifeless and Recs were made to toil as both opening batsmen, Money and Saunders, batted solidly and sensibly.

The pair showed just why they are regarded as the most successful opening partnership in the Liverpool Competition as both recorded centuries in an opening partnership of 214.

The Ruskin men, however, showed great resolve in the field with Money eventually falling to Garvey for 106.

Williams then removed Garnet for only two and there followed a period of stalemate as Saunders edged towards the century mark.

Unfortunately, this somewhat spoiled the game as Oxton declared after 45 overs with 226 for 2 on the board, leaving Recs only 38 overs to chase the total.

Despite the excellent batting wicket, the Recs batsmen, having struggled of late again got off to a poor start and having to throw the bat from the first ball ended up in dire straits at 21 for 3, Wood, Hull and Hitchmough all going cheaply.

Scott Williams and Stuart Lyon then pulled the innings round until the former was the victim of a dubious leg before decision to Oxton's former West Indies bowler Hartley Alleyne. Stu Lyon continued to show good technique and application and stuck to the task well as the visitors were left to fight a rearguard action with Oxton pressing for victory. Stephen Garvey batted well for 26 and, with Lyon, added 38 for the sixth wicket.

When Garvey fell to Corran, he was replaced by wicket-keeper Gary Morrison before he also fell to the same bowler for 13.

Lyon, however, continued to defy the home side and found an ally in Mike Tarran (13 not out) as the pair held out for a draw, Lyon finishing on a good 35 not out and Recs ending on 143-8.

The seconds, at Ruskin also drew although, having the better of the game whilst the thirds recorded a fine victory over defending third eleven champions Neston.

Kevin Dunbar took 5-37 and veteran Frank Kilmurry 3-32 as Neston were fired out for 144.

The total was not enough and newcomer Craig Jones impressed with 52 whilst Mike Sheeran scored 29 to see Recs home by three wickets.

Neil Chorley hit 52 and Andy Ford 44 in Stan Houghton's side's total of 199-8 and although Dave Parsonage took 5-45 Ormskirk hung on for a draw at 170-9.

Recs under 18s tasted success with an excellent win over Highfield. Highfield batting first were restricted to 102-7, with Potter, Martindale and Stocks all taking wickets. In reply Neil Hull hit an unbeaten 57 as Recs passed the total for the loss of four wickets. The under 15s were not as fortunate in their SunLife game against Sefton.

Gareth Bradley (27) and Andy Ford (24) saw Recs to 89-5 from their 20 overs but the total proved inadequate as Sefton reached it for the loss of only two wickets, Bradley and Tasker taking one apiece.

This week Recs are at home to both Birkenhead Park on Saturday and Woodhouses in the Abbot Ale National KO on Sunday. Match balls are sponsored by Ruskin Drive Club and Lounge and Owens Corning respectively.

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