ST HELENS got off to a fine start against Liverpool, who batted on what turned out to be a very difficult wicket.

Saints bowler Kenny removed Indian Test Star Das for 6 and tight bowling kept the runs to a minimum.

With Liverpool handily poised at 60 for 3, the switching of ends for Pandey and the introduction of Tyms resulted in the regular fall of wickets resulting in Liverpool being 117 all out.

Pandey finishing with 5 for 59, Tyms 2 for 9 and Kenny 2 for 15 all bowling well.

Saints got off to another poor start being 22 for 4, before Pandey joined Tyms to put on 40.

However regular wickets fell and when Tyms was 7th out after a three hour stay at the crease for 38, the innings fell away and Saints finished 12 short on 105.

The match was sponsored by S Greener Motor Vehicle Repairs.

Sunday afternoon saw St Helens make the short trip over to Ruskin Drive in an attempt to progress through the first round of the Chester Cup. Saints didn't get off to a great start as the younger bowlers struggled for an accurate line.

Recs steadily built their total to 209 with Knowles top scoring on 35.

Hartley came back for his second spell to finish on 3-36 as the pick of the Saints bowlers.

The visitors didn't get off to the best of starts with Booth falling first ball, but Recs mettle was tested to the limit by a master class in controlled aggressive batting from Griffiths 81, assisted by Metcalf 27 and Supria 29 n.o. Davies saw Saints home with 9 overs to spare.