ST HELENS played host to Highfield on Saturday and on the back of two great wins against local opposition hopes were high.

Batting first St Helens were soon in trouble and lost their first wickets for 35.

David Lowe (27) and Sanjay Pandey (29) steadied the ship somewhat, then the middle order fell away and apart from Gary Sheppard (16) the lower order failed as Saints were dismissed for 122.

Peet, Dawber and T-Ur-Rehman each took 3 wickets.

It was slow going for Highfield but they got there finishing on 123 for 7. Sanjay Pandey taking 4-30 from 19 overs.

Match sponsor was Ray Howard Joinery.

The Second XI travelled to Hightown. Having endured all kinds of problems during the season this turned out to be their day.

In a high scoring game St Helens won by 7 wickets.

Hightown batting first declared their innings closed after 43 overs on 219-5.

Craig Orrick was the most successful bowler taking 2-61.

After tea Jon Hill (17) and young Neil Hilton (33) gave Saints a good start, putting on 23 for the first wicket in just 10 minutes. Comer joined Hilton and scored a quickfire (40) before being caught with the score on 100 for 2. Neil Hilton followed shortly after but then an unbroken partnership between Craig Orrick (70 not out) and Barry Fee (42 not out) saw St Helens home.

On Sunday, St Helens Third XI played at Oxton.

Batting first St Helens were all out for 164 thanks mainly to skipper Marc Finney who once again managed to get out on 49. He was assisted by Griffiths (37) and Robbie Supria (32).

In reply the home side passed the total for the loss of 5 wickets. Hilton took 2-35.