Makinson enjoyed long-overdue Leyland victory

They picked up 15 points at the Ernest Pass Memorial Ground, winning by 54 runs.

After a barren spell, it came as a big relief for the Fox Lane outfit who play host to Blackpool tomorrow.

Makinson said: “It must have been six weeks since we last won so it was welcome to say the least.

“For whatever reason, we just haven’t been able to buy a win and it gets frustrating when that happens.

“It has been a bit of a tough time but hopefully the win at Barrow will lift us and we can put a run together.

“We have lost a few players in recent years and perhaps we are not quite as strong as we once were.

“There have been injuries, I missed a few weeks and we had Karl Cross out.

“As a team we have bowled well but our batting hasn’t been brilliant.

“Maybe that is down to the damp wickets and there have not been too many big scores anywhere this summer.

“In our first two home games, we got 230 and the weather was good then.

“But the wet weather has left a lot of wickets slow and low, that is not conducive to good batting.

“If you look at the stats, there is only Neels Bergh at Fleetwood who has got more than 450 runs .

“Normally you have quite a few lads well beyond that but it has not been a vintage year for batsmen.”

With Netherfield as good as having the title in the bag, the last month of the season will be all about chasing the runners-up spot for the pack of trailing clubs.

Leyland are back in fifth place but Makinson has his sights fixed higher. “We are 22 points behind Blackpool in third place and play them at home next,” said Makinson.

“If we can beat Blackpool and then do the same when we play Chorley after that, we can certainly challenge for the runners-up place.

“Netherfield are nearly out of sight and have had a fine season.

“It is not a surprise to see them up there as they are a good side but I am surprised how far in front they 
have got.

“I suppose it is down to no one below them putting a proper run together.

“We’ve had a bad run, so have Blackpool.

“Chorley have been more consistent than in recent years and have done well.

“But Netherfield are a very strong side and will win the title.

“They’ve got a good pro, while a real bonus has been the return to the side of Marc Hadwin.

“He’s been playing second XI cricket for the last four or five years but has come back in to take 40 wickets.”

Leyland will be without Will Jacques who has had an operation on his wrist, while Steven Pallett is unavailable.