PRESTON climbed to second place in the Northern Premier League after narrowly defeating Leyland Motors on Monday.

Good bowling spells by professional Raouf Akbar (4 for 39) and Manoj Parekh (4 for 32) restricted Motors to a total of 101 but Preston only scraped past the total with two wickets to spare.

Preston only claimed five bonus points when they were defeated by Fleetwood on Saturday. Despite setting a stiff target of 215 it didn't pose much of a problem to Fleetwood with John Wright scoring 85 not out as they lost just five wickets in passing the target.

It was a disastrous bank holiday weekend for Leyland who lost both games comprehensively with skipper Alex Mercer describing his side as "totally lacking in commitment."

On Saturday at Stanley Park Blackpool won by seven wickets and at Fox Lane on Monday, Darwen beat them by nine wickets.

Leyland won the toss and batted first but were bowled out for 141 in 53 overs.

Professional Moin ul Atiq topped the scoring with 52 and wicketkeeper Charlie Williams was next highest scorer with 24.

Blackpool passed the total in 40 overs. Lancashire under-19 player Stephen Croft had a good game returning 4 for 44 with the bowl, and topped the scoring with 61.

They could only muster 62 all out in 34 overs batting first against Darwen who passed the total for the loss of just one wicket in 18 overs.

Leyland Motors gained ten points when they played out a draw with St Annes at Sandy Lane on Saturday.

Highlight of the Motors innings was a superb 129 by pro' Atif Ashraf, well supported by Sal Ugrader with 56. The pair shared a third wicket partnership of 181 to take the Motors to a total of 239 all out.

In reply St Annes scored 197 for the loss of eight wickets. Joe Davies top scored on 71.