PRESTON lost their 14th match of the season at Vernon Road by 102 runs. Manoj Parekh won the toss, and inserted St Annes.

It appeared a prudent decision when Adrian Darlington was caught behind by Glen Johnstone off opening pace-bowler, Julian Edwards for five.

Nevertheless, opening batsman, Gareth Evans and professional, Dave Callaghan redressed the balance with a 130 runs partnership for the second wicket before Evans was trapped LBW by Preston professional, Scott Henderson for a solid 64. He batted 131 minutes, faced 118 balls and hit 9 fours.

The third St Annes wicket fell at 147 when Steven Twist was well caught by Paul Paynter off Jabir Namajee for three runs.

Seven runs later, St. Annes captain, Russ Bradley was caught behind by Glen Johnstone to give Scott Henderson his second wicket for two runs.

Half the St. Annes side were dismissed for 182 when Dave Callaghan was caught by Paynter off Namajee for an attractive 98. He batted 156 minutes, faced 130 balls, and hit 13 fours and one six.

The next wicket fell without any addition when Adam Cotton was caught by Anthony Mann off Namajee.

Sean Bickerdike and wicket-keeper, Duncan Whalley shared and unbroken 7th wicket partnership of 28 before the St Annes declared after 52 overs. Opening pace bowler, Jabir Namajee took 3 for 30 off 14 overs.

In reply, the Mann brothers put on 26 runs for the first wicket before Paul Mann was bowled by first change bowler, Joe Davies for seventeen.

Five runs later, Anthony Mann was caught by Steven Twist off the same bowler for ten.

Preston lost their next 4 wickets for only 19 runs, as they slumped to 50-6.

Jabir Namajee and Glen Johnstone stopped the rot with a 24 runs partnership for the seventh wicket before Johnstone was caught by Russ Bradley off leg-spinner, John Cotton for twelve.

The eighth wicket fell at 89 when Jabir Namajee was caught by Adrian Darlington to become Cotton's second victim for a painstaking 26. He batted 61 minutes, faced 55 balls and hit 3 fours.

St. Annes captured Preston's last two wickets for 19 runs, which left James Anyon stranded on 12 not out with 6-3 overs left in the match.

Left arm pace bowler, Joe Davis was the pick of the St. Annes bowling attack with 5-23 from ten overs.

Preston play Morecambe at Woodhill Lane.

Final score: St. Annes 210-6 dec v Preston 108