A SUPERB spell of bowling by Raouf Akbar helped Preston to an easy victory over Blackpool on Saturday.

Batting first, Preston scored 207 for 7 with Munaf Bavla (51) and Ian McDonnell (61) top scorers for the home side. Tim Barry returned the best figures for Blackpool with 5 for 49 off 17.

Akbar's return of 7 for 68 off 16 overs saw Preston reduce the Seasiders all out for 166 in 43 overs. Stephen Croft (57) and Justin Kreusch (64) were the top scorers.

Leyland's poor spell continued at Fleetwood where they were dismissed for 98. Thomas Blundell took six Leyland wickets for 28 off 14 overs and only professional Moin with 59 made any impression in Leyland's meagre total.

Leyland Motors, had no match on Sunday but recorded their first league win of the season in the local derby at Fox Lane, Leyland on Monday.

Leyland batted first and scored 202 for 7, with Zub Patel top scoring with 87, and Charlie Williams making 55 not out. Motors easily beat the total winning by 8 wickets.

Motors' pro' Ashraf scored an unbeaten 91 while openers Totham, and Frisal Patel scored 46 and 47 respectively.

St Annes' West Indian professional Jimmy Adams hit form with a vengeance against Preston.

St Annes batted first scoring 182 for 9, Adams scoring 49, and Cotton 47.

Preston were then bowled out for 89, Adams destroying the home side's batting with figures of 5 for 8 off 11 overs.

Despite the defeat, Preston still claim second spot in the Northern Premier League table, five points behind Morecambe. Leyland and Leyland Motors still prop up the table.

Leyland host Preston on Saturday while Leyland Motors host Chorley.