OWENS Corning St Helens Recs escaped the rain that affected most games in the Liverpool Competition on Saturday, but they couldn't produce a victory.

They lost the toss were asked to bat first on a wet green top at Liverpool. Scoring was difficult especially against Indian off-spinner Mukervee. Vinny Wood (21) and Phil Baines (36) added 49 for the first wicket before Wood was caught at deep square leg.

Alan Hitchmough quickly followed along with Baines, before Stu Lyon steadied the ship with workmanlike 59 no, assisted by Steve Garvey and Gary Freeman. Recs were able to declare on 171-8.

After the interval Freeman got the early breakthrough but Recs did not get the rub of the green and a few close calls went against them.

Late wickets from leg spinner Steve Martindale (2-24) and Baines (2-16) couldn't force the win and the game petered out into a draw.

On Sunday in the National KO Recs registered their first win of the season against Glossop.

Recs struck an early blow when Ian Huyton ran out opener Davis with a superb piece of fielding. This set the tone for the afternoon and Recs put up an excellent display in the field led by keeper Gary Morrison who had three victims which backed up some tight bowling from Freeman and Martindale who only conceded 14 runs apiece off their nine overs. A late burst from Phil Baines who took five wickets and two more run outs saw Recs dismiss the Derbyshire side for 121 in the 43rd over.

After tea Recs lost an early wicket, but Vin Wood (25) and Neil Hull (35) played well before Recs were guided to victory by Stu Lyon (35 no) and skipper Hitchmough (20 no).

Recs now face Clifton from Preston in the next round.

Meanwhile John Ericson blasted a magnificent 135 not out in the third eleven victory on Sunday.

This Saturday Recs entertain Sefton in a tough fixture at Ruskin Drive.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.