BOTTOM of the table Leyland were brushed aside by reigning Vaux Northern League champions Morecambe at Woodhill Lane on Saturday.

Batting first, Leyland finished on 147-6, courtesy of professional and acting captain Paul Tebay who hit an undefeated 48.

But Morecambe raced to victory by 8 wickets, finishing on 153-2 with their South African professional Steven Pope making an unbeaten 63, and opening batsman Mark Woodhead keeping up with 57.

Second-placed Chorley played host to third-placed Lancaster and there was little surprise when this close-fought match ended in a winning draw for the home side.

Batting first, Chorley set an incredible opening pace and finished their innings on an excellent 206-7. Heaton top scored on 56 with Fazakerley close behind on 55.

In reply, Lancaster started badly. Openers Heywood and Dennison made just five between them and even a concerted effort from professional Laurie Williams with 48 couldn't halt the slide. Lancaster held on for a score of 109-8.

Elsewhere, Preston moved off the bottom of the table with their first win of the season beating Kendal at West Cliff in a low scoring match by eleven runs.

That was their first victory since 1994 when they beat Darwen.

Batting first, Preston were dismissed for 139, with two balls of their allotted 50 overs remaining. Angus McGunnigle top scored with 33.

Kendal, and Cumberland Minor County off-spinner, Andrew Wilson bowled 24.4 consecutive overs to take 7 for 68.

Apart from Terry Hunte with 37 and Andrew Wilson who scored 23, Kendal had little answer to debutant Johnny Richardson who took 6-45 off 12.2 consecutive overs.

Leyland DAF won their fourth game of the season by 25 runs against Blackpool at Sandy Lane.

Batting first, DAF made 146-9, with opening batsman, Cumberland Minor County player Steven Knox, top scoring with 67, while Blackpool's medium-pacer Tony Poxon took 6 for 37.

Blackpool always struggled in reply against the combined DAF pace and spin attack.

Off-spinner, Stuart Catterall was the pick of the bowlers with 3-13, while Sephton Prince Daf professional and captain David Makinson each took 3 for 38.

St Annes lead has been reduced to nine points at the top of the table over Chorley after they were beaten with the last ball at Fleetwood.

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