ST HELENS came within a whisker of claiming their third victory in a row when Ormskirk survived the last 20 overs on Saturday.

Earlier Ormskirk's decision to insert St Helens looked justified as the home side were all out for 157.

Openers Roughley (56) and Davies (30) were the leading scorers on a slow wicket, with Kenny (17), Friar (12) and Banerjee the only only other batsmen to reach double figures.

Ormskirk's David Snellgrove took 6-38 off 22 overs to keep the St Helens middle order in check at a crucial stage.

On the resumption opening bowlers Banerjee and Jordan bowled tightly.

But it was left to Phil Roughley to break the opening partnership before Adam Friar took over from where he had left off the previous week with 5-34.

The final stages of this tense struggle saw Banerjee take two late wickets, with four wickets to go and a victory possible for either side.

But Ormskirk finally settled for a draw on 136-8.

Meanwhile, the second team fell short of a winning total at Ormskirk where they were bowled out for 140.

Main contributors were Daniel Massey (33) and Ian Davies and Bobby Kenny (24 each).

Ormskirk reached the target for the loss of only four wickets, Bobby Kenny taking all four for 43.

The third team suffered a shock defeat at home to Huyton.

St Helens made 121 all out and Huyton knocked off the runs for the loss of eight wickets.

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