ST HELENS recorded a fine victory over Worsley in their top-of-the-table clash on Monday.

The visitors chose to bat first but may have regretted that decision when St Helens restricted the batting side to 46-3 off the first 20 overs thanks to a tight bowling spell from the opening attack of Gary Sheppard (2-21) and Bobby Kenny (1-33).

Aussie Heath Pedrola and former Lancashire batsman Andy Hayhurst put a good partnership together to take the score to 118- 5 but excellent bowling by Bappa Mukherjee (4-36) and Phil Roughley (3-18) coupled with superb catching and fielding resulted in the tail collapsing to 145 all out.

Despite losing Phil Roughley and Roger Burrows for low scores Darren Tyms (20) and Ian Mackus (24) kept the run rate ahead of the clock and when the in form Bappa Mukherjee (50) was joined by Adam Friar (18 not out) the winning target was reached with time and wickets to spare.

In the away fixture the second team declared at 153-9 with Jeff Gore (40) Craig Horabin (41) and Daniel Massey (29 not out) the major contributors. Worsley reached the winning score for the loss of only five wickets, two of which fell to Ste Fell and one each to Ian Davies, Daniel Massey and Alan Sheppard.

On Saturday St Helens produced a lacklustre performance to lose at Hightown. Darren Tyms (54), Roger Burrows (26) making a welcome return from holiday, and Steve Kenny (34 not out) with his best knock of the season, were the early batsmen in form and captain Neil Woods (21) took the score to 180-8 declared. Gary Sheppard made the initial breakthrough to have opener S Cropper back in the pavilion without scoring but from then on it was an uphill struggle with Hightown reaching 182 with only two more wickets falling.

In the reverse fixture at Windleshaw Road Hightown completed the double over St Helens second team,

The third team fought out a draw draw against Colwyn Bay.

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