THE REC'S had double cause for celebration over the weekend as both first and second teams finished top, therefore ensuring the title of champions of the Second Division in the Lord's Northwest Counties Cricket League.

The First team, having been put into bat by Vulcan overcame some tight bowling with Peter Findlater top scoring with 31.

Each and every batsman contributed to the final total of 134 all out.

After the interval, the Recs set about bowling the Vulcan batsmen, with two back in the pavilion, with the score on 12.

The batsmen struggled against some great bowling with Rob Yearsley (4 for 13) and Paul Nicklin (3 for 30) returning the best figures.

Only Evans put up some resistance but his wicket fell to a fantastic catch by Robbie Morris for 23. The final total for Vulcan, 83 all out.

The second XI, playing away at Vulcan, lost the toss and were asked to bat. Within four overs Widnes had two players back in the changing rooms for 10 runs. Ray Jones came to the wicket with a purpose, to score a lot of runs. This he did with some great stroke-play, ably assisted by Billy Morris who stayed at the crease a long time. Billy lost his wicket trying to sweep for 18 runs.

Al Magee came in next, and with his eagerness to get off the mark and some indecision by both batsmen whether to run or not, Jones was run out for 53 from the next ball. Magee made up for this by hitting a quick-fire 17 before losing his wicket.

Ste McNicholas hit 16 and was bowled and with just one over remaining, Derek Hulstrom hit six runs off three balls to see the total to 146 for the loss of eight wickets, Eddie Burns being 15 no in the final analysis.

Disaster struck the Vulcan camp straight after tea because within 11 overs the game was at an end. Vulcan's score, a paltry 10 all out. It was a comprehensive victory with 28 points for the Recs.

On Sunday, the Recs played Shell with a much depleted side.

Batting first, Widnes started tentatively. Billy Morris, in his role of opener, carried his bat and was unlucky not to have got his 50. He finished on 49 no. Tony Poole (16), Jimmy Freeman (12) and Alan Magee (14) were notable scorers. Rec's total after 47 overs, 129 for eight.

Shell lost their first wicket in the first over. Some tight bowling and fielding made the Shell batsmen work hard for their runs, scoring the odd boundary, intermingled with a lot of singles.

Youngsters, Rob Magee and Dempsey took fine catches. Tony Poole took four for 37 and Brian Cafferty four for 40 to bowl Shell all out for 86. Rec's earned another 28 points to take the tally for the weekend to 56.

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