A FINE spell of bowling by Rauf Aqbar saw Preston easily see off Leyland at West Cliff on Saturday.

Batting first the home side reached 167 for 9 from their allotted overs with Bamber 30, and Mann 38 the top scorers.

Steve Pallett had a marathon spell with the ball for Leyland bowling 23 of the 57 overs and taking six wickets for 71 as a reward for his efforts.

Wright, Suma, and Kelly took one wicket each.

In reply Leyland were bowled out in 30 overs 95 runs short of the target with only the opener Suma who was top scorer on 22 before retiring hurt making any impression.

Professional Atiq was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 11 before he became one of Aqbar's six victims which he took for just 34 runs.

Leyland have been drawn to play Netherfield In the semi-final of the Thwaites League Cup on a date yet to be arranged.

Fixtures are Saturday: Leyland v St Annes, Preston v Kendal, Fleetwood v Motors. Monday: Darwen v Chorley, Motors v Leyland, St Annes v Preston.