ST Helens Recs suffered a four wicket defeat at home to Caldy after winning the toss and electing to bat.

With key batsmen missing, this looked to be the wrong decision as some bad strokeplay left Recs in deep trouble on 15 for 4.

Only Dunbar showed any resistance, with a gritty 48 out of a total of 96 all out from 31.4 overs. In reply Recs bowlers kept things tight and wickets started to tumble.

The opening pair of Orchard and Garvey kept Recs in the game as the visitors were in trouble at 55 for 6 but a stubborn partnership ended Recs' hopes of a surprise victory as Caldy reached 97 for 6 from 26.2 overs.

The pick of the bowling was Orchard (3 for 49 from 13.2) and Garvey (2 for 19 from 6).

The 2nd XI, fielding a much depleted side and with only nine men, travelled to Newton who won the toss and elected to bat.

Toal batted extremely well as the home captain declared when he had reached 150 not out with the total on 264 for 5 from 41 overs.

The pick of the bowlers being Heatherington with 3 for 67 from 12. It was always going to be a struggle, but the Recs batsmen made a game of it. Stocks continued his good form reaching 69 and Woods batted sensibly.

Woods eventually ran out of partners when he was on 53 not out as Recs managed to reach 206 all out from 52.3 overs, a tantalising 2.3 overs from a draw.

Next week the first XI travel the short distance to Newton whilst the 2nd XI play hosts to Worsley at Ruskin Drive.