Longridge victorious in battle of top two

The leaders enjoyed a 47-run win over Croston – who slipped to third in the table – at Old Emanuel School in a rain-affected match which saw the game reduced to 31 overs per side.

After losing the toss, the visitors were asked to bat first and racked up a considerable 185-5.

Neil Holden top scored with 49 and he was given some excellent support by Joshua Mullin (32) and JohnSimpson (29).

In reply, home skipper cracked Lee Childs gave Croston hope with a quickfire 34 at the top of the order, while Sam Marsh struck 38.

However, Croston lost wickets at regular intervals and they eventually closed on 138-8. Matt Greenall took 3-37.

Lancaster are up to second in the table after secured their fifth league victory on the spin away to New Longton in a match reduced to 22 overs per side.

Lee Bolton’s excellent half-century helped the home side post an imposing total of 137-9. Ben Simm took 4-45 and Charlie Swarbrick 3-29. In reply, Paul Haydock took three early wickets to rock the visitors.

However, an unbeaten 68 from Laurie Atkinson guided Lancaster to victory with two overs and six wickets to spare.

Eccleston remain in contention at the top of the table after they got the better of Great Eccleston in an entertaining match at Hall Lane.

Great knocks from Adam Norris (55) and Jordan Bentham (60) helped the visitos close on 164-4 off 29 overs.

Great Ecc were then dismissed for 152 in the final over with Will Thistlethwaite top scoring with 40. Stewart White took 6-38 and Michael Atkinson took 4-62.

There were runs galore at Illawalla as Vernon Carus secured a seven-wicket victory over Thornton Cleveleys.

Daniel Howard’s struck seven sixes in a superlative 75 as the home side posted a huge 203-4 off just 25 overs.

Incredibly, Vernons chased down the total with more than three overs to spare. Matt Hardiker struck a brilliant 81 and Ian Dunn 60 as the visitors completed a remarkable win.

Penwortham cruised to a comfortable nine-wicket win over Torrisholme at Boundary Meadow.

Bryson Little hit 49 as the home side closed on 134-5 off 29 overs. In reply, Penwortham hit an unbeaten 62 as the visitors reached their victory target off 20.2 overs.

South Shore moved above Kendal in the table after completing an excellent 31-run win at Mad Nook.

Luke Jardine’s 43-ball 48 helped them close on 126-8 off 29 overs. Saeed Bariwala took 4-55. Only Ryan Shepherd (60) managed to reach double figures in Kendal’s reply as Michael Hall (4-44) and Neil Ashford (3-31) ensured the visitors were all out for 95.