Rain halts Knockout contest

The regional final at Fox Lane was abandoned during the first innings, Longridge having been asked to bat after Leyland won the toss.

At stake is a place in the last 16 of the competition as it reaches its national phase.

On Saturday, Leyland had maintained their place at the top of the Northern League after a draw at Penrith.

They took 11 points from the trip to Cumbria, the game producing 533 runs on a day when batsmen were on top.

Leyland put 279-5 on the board, Chris Parkinson and Nathan McDonnell both having knocks of 74.

There was a half-century from Richardt Frenz, with Karl Cross scoring 30.

Penrith replied with 254-7, opener Greg Hall hitting 110 off just 108 deliveries.

David Makinson finally took his wicket but it was McDonnell who was Leyland’s star with the ball.

He took 6-71 in 11 overs –that haul included a hat-trick.

Improving Preston beat Netherfield by five wickets at West Cliff, their third win of the season.

They asked Netherfield to bat first and duly dismissed their visitors for 106.

Afzal Kapadia claimed a hat-trick, with Lukman Vahaluwala taking 6-40.

Preston chased down their target in 31 overs, Vahaluwala unbeaten on 70.

Chorley took 11 points from their drawn game with Darwen at Windsor Park.

Stuart Naden hit 63 and Jack Bentham, batting at nine, 34 not out, as Chorley posted 185-9.

The tail wagged with No.10 Keiran McCullagh 
hitting 28.

Darwen were 169-9 in reply, the visitors hanging on to their final wicket to take a draw.

Ian Oakes took 4-23 and sub-pro Daryl Smit 2-51.

Blackpool and Lancaster battled out a draw at Stanley Park, with the hosts having much the better of it.

Professional Daryl Mitchell scored 105 in Blackpool’s tally of 241-6.

In reply, Lancaster were 182-9, Rajat Agarwal their top scorer with 43.

Fleetwood squeezed past St Annes, winning the clash at Broadwater by five runs.

After putting 138-5 on the board, they bowled out St Annes for 133.

Barrow won their clash with Kendal at Shap Road by five wickets.