ST HELENS Recs produced a fine all-round display to clinch a much-needed victory at Northern on Saturday.

Recs' skipper Morrison won the toss and invited the home side to bat on a firm, but green wicket. It looked an excellent decision as Martindale took a fine catch off Howden in the first over. This was the bowler's only success of the day, however, as it brought to the wicket the Australian, Mail, who averages more than 100 in the Competition.

Northern finally declared at 212-1 off 50 overs, with Mail 100 not out and Rennie 103 not out.

In reply, Recs opener Martindale set off like a train with three successive hook shots to the boundary. But he tried one hook too many and was dismissed for a rapid 25. Recs were now 32-2 but a fine partnership of more than 80 followed between Australian Paul Toole and Lyon. Recs had reached 115 by the time Toole was dismissed for 66.

But Lyon continued to accumulate runs and had reached 59 not out when Recs reached 213-5 with six overs to spare. Recs' second team took maximum points at home to Northern.

Captain for the day, Bond, won the toss and elected to bat. It look a poor decision when Recs had reached only 57-3 off 22 overs.

But Sheeran (41) and Tarran (69) accelerated the scoring and Bond was able to declare at 184-9 off 42 overs.

In reply, the Northern batsmen never looked comfortable and spinner Potter took 5-37 off 11 overs as they were all out for 140.

The 3rd AD XI drew with Wigan on a damp wicket.

Recs batted first and made 138 all out with Davies (45) and Chorley (38) the leading scorers.

In reply, Wigan struggled against the pace of Parsonage and Hughes and the game fizzled out to a draw with Wigan on 70-7.

The 3rd SH XI beat Newton by six wickets to stay top of the league.

This weekend the first team are at home to Newton-le-Willows, with the ball sponsored by Mather and Stuart Plant Hire.

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