Fleetwood 193-8 St Annes 244-7 ST ANNES with a winning draw took eight points to Fleetwood's four points in a high scoring match at Broadwater.

Batting first, St Annes lost an early wicket when Gareth Evans was bowled by Pat King for three but then Adrian Darlington, and professional Dave Callaghan put the visitors on top with a 109 runs partnership for the second wicket in only 100 minutes.

Darlington hit eight fours before he was caught by Mark Wilkinson off Alex Laird for 69.

As so often happens after a large partnership the other batsman does not survive much longer. Dave Callaghan was stumped by Kevin Wilkinson off Fleetwood professional Abbas Ali for 71.

Russ Bradley played a superb captain's innings to keep the scoreboard ticking over. He was caught by Michael Dewhurst off Mark Wilkinson for 45. He hit five fours and one six. He was ably supported by Steven Twist and wicket-keeper, Duncan Whalley who were both dismissed by Alex Laird for 23 and 22 respectively.

Fleetwood began their reply in confident fashion and openers John Wright and Michael Dewhurst had an opening partnership of 54 before the latter was run out for 19. Wright was bowled by Callaghan for 38. There was a third wicket partnership of 60 between Fleetwood professional, Abbas Ali, and Michael Clinning which kept the home side up with the required run rate. Clinning was adjudged lbw to Callaghan for 25.

An inspired spell of bowling from left-arm pace bowler Joe Davies which brought him three wickets for 15 runs put St Annes in the driving seat.

Fleetwood slumped to 178-8 with Abbas Ali running out of partners but Pat King and Ali put on 15 runs with an unbroken ninth wicket partnership which saw the match end in a draw.

Abbas Ali batted superbly for his unbeaten 81 hitting 11 fours. At the close of play Pat King was four not out.

Looking forward -- St Annes return to Vernon Road to play the current league champions, Darwen.

The visitors were beaten for the first time this season when lowly Leyland DAF beat them by four wickets at Birch Hall, so this match will provide a good test of St Annes credentials.

Fleetwood travel to play bottom club, Preston at West Cliff and are expected to record their seventh victory of the season.