ST HELENS had mixed fortunes over the weekend with a win against Ainsdale in the Echo Cup, a draw in the league against Colwyn Bay and finally losing to Liverpool in the Penketh Trophy.

But it was so nearly three wins out of three.

The Echo Cup match was a personal triumph for Darren Tyms who celebrated his 30th birthday in fine style with 103 before being stumped in the 17th over going for yet another big hit.

Good support from Ian Mackus (66) enabled St Helens to post a total of 184-2 which proved too much for Ainsdale who managed 114-6 from their 40 overs. Mukherjee (3-11) Mackus (2-15) and Friar (1-24) were the wicket takers.

Saturday's league game against Colwyn Bay saw Tyms (39) and Mackus (43) still in good form and all the top batsmen were among the runs with Roughley (17) Burrows (36) and Mukherjee (31 not out) enabling St Helens to declare at 184-7.

Colwyn Bay survived the early pace attack but the introduction of spinners Mukherjee and Friar changed the game dramatically. Adam Friar took three wickets in one over in his 6-40 and from then on Colwyn Bay had no stomach for the fight and batted out the last two hours (30 overs) for a draw at 136-7.

Sunday's cup match at Aigburth proved an exciting affair in which St Helens lost out to the weather. The batsmen were once again in good form with Roughley (43) Tyms (14) Mackus (17) and Mukherjee (34) all batting well before the rain came.

On the resumption a sparkling partnership between Steve Kenny (32 not out in 30 balls) and Adam Friar (27 off 18 balls) lifted the score to 202-8 off 40 overs. The loss of 25 minutes due to rain resulted in Liverpool being asked to score 102 from 20 overs and although St Helens were on top for most of the game the winning runs came in the final over to send St Helens home disappointed yet again.

Bobby Kenny (1-19) Roughley (2-13) and Mukherjee (2-16) were the wicket takers.

The second team lost to Northern with Ian Lawless and Craig Horabin top scoring with 25 each in a total of 144 all out. Ian McCabes 5-38 was not enough to prevent a Northern win in the last over.

Daniel Massey did not expect to take 8-28 and be on the losing side but St Helens Third team managed to let Northern off the hook at 37- 7 to reach 120. In reply St Helens could only reach 57 all out.

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