PRESTON'S match against Darwen finally got under way two and a quarter hours late after the unusual spectacle of the visiting players working on the pitch to get it fit - and bringing water hogs from their own Birch Hall ground to assist their efforts.

Asked to bat first on a difficult wicket and soaked outfield, Darwen who top the Bay Northern League table, progressed well until Hadfield (24) and Jackson (28) fell in quick succession. A quick hit from Gareth Cordingley (49 from 47 balls) helped Darwen reach 156-8 from their allotted 37 overs.

A shower at the interval delayed the resumption and the umpires then decreed that Preston had 23 overs from 6.25pm - as long as the second innings started before that time.

It didn't to the frustration of both teams and left the game void.

Leyland Motors could only manage a losing draw at home to St Annes when they scored 152 for 7 in reply to the visitors' score of 167 for 6. Twist top scored for St Annes with 44.

Leyland were hammered at Netherfield and coulk only gain a solitary point after they were all out for a score of 145 chasing a total of 215 for 7.

Pieter Koortzen was top scorer for the Fox Lane side with 53.