PRESTON recovered well against Darwen on Saturday after recovering from 59-4 from 27 overs to reach 212-9 from 60 overs.

The crucial runs came at the end of the innings from Preston skipper Tony Hesketh who appeared to edged a catch but controversially was not given out, following which he smashed 28 from only 10 balls.

Although Preston claimed some early wickets, a fine partnership between professional Darwen's Keith Semple (77) and Neil Cordingley (33) gave the away side a chance of victory despite the disadvantage of only facing 50 overs.

But an amazing collapse, when Darwen lost five wickets for only 19 runs in five overs, saw Preston claim their sixth league victory of the season.

Leyland meanwhile succumbed to a seven wicket defeat at the hands of league leaders Netherfield.

There was better news for Leyland Motors who had a fine home win against St Annes dismissing the Fylde team for just 104 after scoring 142 themselves.

SCORE: Preston 212/9 Darwen 159