TWO men called Neil helped Leyland on their way to a neat three-wicket win over Preston in the first round of the Vaux Bitter Cup. (PRESTON 173-8, LEYLAND 174-7)

Neil Rimmer and Neil Kenyon made half-centuries as Leyland secured their passage through to the second round in their second encounter with Preston in as many weeks.

Kenyon's eighth wicket partnership with Paul Haydock, which made an extra 35 runs, secured victory for Leyland, but Preston didn't give up without a fight.

After winning the toss, Preston captain Manoj Parekh opted to put his side into bat and the home side soon started putting on the runs.

The Mann brothers featuring in a 34-run opening partnership before Antony Mann was caught by Chris Sim off first change bowler Paul Haydock for 18.

A further 87 runs were added to the total after Ben Harrison joined Paul Mann at the crease before the next wicket fell, Harrison - playing for Leicestershire's second XI this week - run out for 22.

Paul Mann eventually left the field with the score on 134, 65 of which had come from his bat. He was caught by Mark Gatrell off Paul Haydock, and Mann declared it his best performance of the season.

Half of the Preston side were dismissed for 156 when Paul Paynter was bowled by Haydock for 23, and the last three wickets fell for just 17 runs, which helped Paul Haydock record an excellent 5-41 from eight overs for Leyland.

Leyland made a solid start after rain delayed play, with Ian McDonnell and Rimmer laying down a 30 runs foundation before McDonnell was stumped by Paul Mann of Zubaire Patel for five.

Joined by Ian Oakes, Rimmer took the score on to 69 before Oakes was trapped LBW by Paul Paynter for 17.

Rimmer accomplished his half century, prompting the first whip-round of the game, before he was caught at long-on by Iqbal Lilley off Roger Kay for 59.

With the score on 105-3, Leyland soon found themselves in a pickle with half the team out for 120.

Then Kenyon arrived, bringing with him an unbeaten half century, which, along with Paul Haydock's 10 saw Leyland through to the next round.

An appetising tie against Chorley on Sunday, August 1, awaits Leyland and a top performance will be required if Leyland are to progress further.

In this weekend's league action, Leyland hosts league leaders Darwen, while Preston entertain Leyland DAF.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.