ST HELENS Recs were narrowly beaten at Urmston in the National Knockout on Sunday.

Recs batted first and Martindale produced a fine display reaching his maiden first-team half-century. Eventually being dismissed for 64, he shared in a fine stand with Huyton (32) which enabled Recs to reach 204-8 off their allotted 45 overs.

In reply Urmston set about the task but lost wickets steadily, the pick of the Recs bowlers being Ford (2-28 off eight overs), Garvey (2-37 off eight overs) and Howden (2-40 off nine overs).

In an exciting finish the Urmston batsmen reached 207-7 off 43 overs to win the game.

On Monday Recs First XI visited Wallasey in the group stage of the First XI knockout cup.

Batting first Recs were destroyed by the pace of South African bowler Gilder who finished with 5-16.

Opener Huyton was the only batsman to offer resistance carrying his bat through the innings to finish on 26 not out as Recs were dismissed for 72.

In reply Wallasey never looked in trouble and it was only the blistering pace of South African Victor Faul which provided Recs with any glimmers of hope. Finishing with figures of 3-20 off eight overs Faul could not stop the Wallasey batsmen from reaching 74-3 to win the game.

The Second XI enjoyed greater success in the opposite fixture at Ruskin Drive.

Batting first Recs were reduced to 12-3 and looked in trouble but a steadying innings from skipper Aconley (24) eased the pressure. Gregson, who hit a fine 33, and Tarran (22) then pushed the score along enabling Recs to reach a more respectable 147 all out off 43 overs. In reply the Recs bowlers applied pressure from the start with Howden and Matty Aconley, coupled with some excellent fielding, restricting the batsmen to just 28 off the first 15 overs. It was, however, the introduction of all rounders Gregson and Tarran into the attack which caused the Wallasey batsmen so much trouble. Both took wickets with Gregson finishing with 4-25 off 9 overs and Tarran 4-10 off 5.2 overs as Wallasey were dismissed for 91 allowing Recs to take the points.

On Saturday the Third SH XI played hosts to Newton. Winning the toss skipper Hoghton put Newton in to bat. The only resistance was from opener and stand in captain Humphreys who scored 64. Once he had been dismissed the Recs bowlers set about the lower order reducing Newton to 120 all out. Bowlers of note were Chorley (3-12 off 7 overs), Murray (2-1 off 1.2 overs) and Mike Burrows (2-38 off 10 overs). In reply the Recs batsmen produced a steady performance reaching 40 before the first wicket fell. Innings of 25 from Hughes and 23 from Pilkington eased the score upwards but it was opener Riley's knock of 44 which sealed victory for the Ruskin men as they reached 121-4 to take the points.

This week the First XI are at home to Formby, the ball being sponsored by Owens Corning.

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