Lancaster make every ball count!

Preston's openers put up 76 before Neil Jordan took the first wicket, finishing on 1 for43. Neil Dawson, who went on to 1 for 32, claimed the second for 107 before the third wicket was run-out on 111.

Brian Phillips (31) (cor) and Andy Miller (33) gave Lancaster the perfect start, putting on 77. Joe Brown later added 16 and a rapid 18 from Jordan kept Lancaster on track.

It was then left for David Roberts to hit the winning run in dramatic circumstances. Another 12 points keeps Lancaster snapping at the heels of the leaders with just a few weeks remaining.

The firsts only managed to squeeze in 14 overs before the rain put paid to another fixture. At which point, Preston had made 31/0, in what is becoming an increasingly arduous season for Lancaster.

Saturday's game is against Kendal with the seconds at Lune Road. The seconds are also looking forward to the Latus Cup semi-final on Sunday, away at Chorley.

Meanwhile, what looked to be a promising season for Morecambe's first team is slowly petering out into disappointment.

Morecambe had been in the hunt for the league title throughout this season, but, unfortunately a defeat by Leyland appears to have put the title beyond Morecambe's grasp.

Morecambe's batting has been strong all term, and Andy Bird, with an excellent half century was capably supported by Singh and captain Thornton as Morecambe built a steady total of 196/7.

However, despite the best bowling efforts of Peter Stephens, who took 5 wickets for 85, but Leyland pro Martin Van Jaarsveld's 60 helped them to a total of 197 for 7.

While Netherfield seem to be set to wrap up the first division title, the second division race is getting ever closer, with Morecambe completing a convincing victory over Leyland.

Set a target of 109 for 6, Morecambe barely broke sweat as they cleared that total with just three wickets down.