ST HELENS Recs were pipped at the post when they travelled to Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

Batting first, the home side were dependent upon Morris who reached 94 not out. Without him the home side struggled against the Recs bowlers and with Martindale taking two wickets and Ford also taking two Colwyn Bay were forced to declare on 177-7 off 46 overs.

In reply Recs inched their way towards the target with Martindale scoring a fine 54. He was supported by Huyton who reached 25 but wickets fell regularly.

In an exciting finish Recs' last man was dismissed 15 runs short of the target with four overs to go, Recs reaching 162 all out.

The second XI played hosts to Colwyn Bay and winning the toss put Colwyn Bay in to bat. Galbraith returned to form with the ball in a devastating spell which saw him finish with 5-30 off 14 overs.

He was ably supported by Murray with 2-13 off 9 overs as Colwyn Bay crashed to a dismal 64 all out.

In reply Recs never looked in trouble and with Aconley reaching 42 not out Recs passed the score reaching 65-2 off only 15 overs to win the game.

The 3rd SH XI travelled to top-of-the-table New Brighton and bowling first suffered on a small pitch. Bellamy was the pick of the bowlers with 3-92 off 18 overs as the home side reached 219-5 before they declared on 45 overs. In reply Reilly gave Recs a good start with a quick 26 before he was dismissed by a superb delivery but wickets continued to fall.

Orford returned to form to prop up the middle order keeping up the run chase but he was eventually out for 41 which left Recs in trouble.

Wills came in at the end to smash a quick 21 not out but he could not stop Recs being all out for 133 off 32 overs giving the home side the game.

The 3rd DG XI played hosts to Orrell who batted first. Orrell struggled against some tight bowling, in particular Davies who finished with fine figures of 5-51 off 18 overs, and only managed to reach 167-7 off 51 overs before they declared.

Left with little time to go for the win Recs lost wickets, only Andrew Critchley (16) and Swain (14) provided any resistance. It was left to the last pair to play out the final five overs as Recs forced the draw reaching 69-9 off 38 overs.

This week the 1st XI are at home to Orrell Red Triangle on Saturday, the sponsors being Bri-Tone beauty products and Christopher (Ladies and Gents hairdresser).

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