Rain brought a premature end to Chorley’s Northern Premier League match against local rivals Leyland at Fox Lane with the outcome in the balance.

The home side elected to bat in humid conditions and Chorley would have been well satisfied to dismiss Leyland for 146 in a match reduced to 45 overs.

Jim Lee and Matthew Parry bowled unchanged and shared the ten wickets, Lee claiming 5-70 and Parry 5-76. Opener Karl Cross was Leyland’s top-scorer with 37. With storm clouds gathering, Chorley’s chase for quick runs was blighted by the loss of two early wickets, including that of professional Chris Hartley without scoring.

Adam Peacock (17) and Michael Critchley (19) steadied the innings before rain washed out the match with Chorley on 55-4 in the 24th over, with Leyland taking a winning draw.

At the halfway stage of the season Chorley trail leaders St Annes by six points.