ST HELENS CC made the short journey to Piele Road for the opening match of the season against Haydock CC who included Mario Ventura who made 50 for Jamaica against England on the recent West Indies tour.

St Helens had first use of the pitch and openers Horabin (20) and Lawless (16) made a steady start before losing Robbie Supria for 3.

Some aggressive batting from Tyms (44), Potter (34), Friar (50 not out) and Woods (33 not out) enabled Tyms to declare on 212 for 5 at tea.

Paul Roberts took the bowling honours for the home team with 2 for 43 off 13 overs with Ventura, Mathews and Clark sharing the other 3 wickets.

Persistent rain during the Haydock innings eventually drove the players from the field after less than 20 overs with the score at 75 for 1.

The only wicket to fall was that of Latham, lbw Potter for 23 with Hornby (29) and Pickavance (18) the not out batsmen.

The second teams at Windleshaw Road were made of sterner stuff and played a full game despite the rain.

Newly appointed captain Paul Booth made 60 out of 140 for 6 well supported by Hill (24) and Comer (20 not out).

The pick of the Haydock bowlers were Martin (3 for 25) and Ford (2 for 29).

The Haydock batsmen hung on for an exciting draw finishing on 88 for 8 with Webster (30) and Martin (23) the tip scorers.

For St Helens Metcalf helped himself to 4 for 16 with Fee, Anders and Paul Booth sharing the other three wickets.

St Helens third team followed on last season's success by defeating Lytham at Windleshaw Road on Sunday.

Lytham were all out for 76 thanks to excellent bowling from Alan Sheppard (5 for 10) and Robbie Supria (2 for 1) and on the resumption Gareth Griffiths (38 not out) and Robbie Supria (33 not out) made short work of the winning total without losing a wicket.

Next Saturday the second team will take on Fleetwood Hesketh at Windleshaw Road.