Leyland close gap at top with derby win

Edwin Moulton's 7-47 proved to be in vain for Chorley in the derby clash against Leyland

Andrew Holdsworth’s men went into the match occupying top spot in the Northern League Division One, but their lead at the top was cut thanks to a nine-run victory.

It was a day to forget for the batsmen on both sides as neither team were able to post a score above three-figures, with no batter able to reach 20.

Everything appeared to set for Chorley to continue their red-hot start to the season, with fast bowler Edwin Moulton ripping through the home card after his captain had won the toss and elected to field first.

The youngster – who has recently made his debut for Lancashire seconds – was in devastating form as he took 7-47. He was given some excellent support by James Lee (3-37) as Leyland folded to 88 all out off 25 overs.

But just like their opponents had, Chorley also found the conditions difficult to bat in.

Karl Cross (4-15) and Steven Pallett (4-11) did the damage as the visitors were bundled out for 79.

Preston suffered a three-wicket defeat at St Annes despite posting an imposing total of 223 all out.

Sajid Patel hit a fine half-century at the top of the order, but Preston’s total was built around a brilliant 83 from Lukman Vahaluwala.

Matthew Grindley was the pick of the hosts’ bowling, taking 6-56.

In reply, St Annes were put on the back foot early as the visitors reduced them to 37-2.

However, Gurmen Bains (38), Nathan Armstrong (57) and Henry Higson (31) ensured St Annes reached their victory target with just over two overs to spare.

It was Lancaster who claimed the honours in their derby clash against Morecambe in a rain-affected encounter at Lune Road.

Kasun Madusanka’s five wickets helped the home side skittle their visitors for just 81 off 38.1 overs.

Lancaster then cruised to their revised target of 73 for the loss of just two wickets. Jamie Heywood finished unbeaten on 33.

In another rain-affected match, Blackpool were victorious over Fleetwood at Stanley Park.

Grant Thompson smashed 11 fours and four sixes in a brilliant knock of 130 as the hosts posted 235-8. Sam Bell took 5-93. Fleetwood were a 169-9 chasing a revised target of 226 from 46 overs.

Elsewhere, Barrow crushed Penrith at the Ernest Pass Memorial Ground. The home side posted 201 and then dismissed the visitors for 110 inside 31 overs.

Netherfield’s match with Kendal was abandoned with the away side on 41-1 after 16 overs.