PRESTON suffered a crushing defeat in the Thwaites Smooth Beer League Cup at Lancaster on Sunday.

Set a massive target of 253 which Lancaster achieved for the loss of just three wickets in their 40 overs, Preston could only manage 185.

The previous day's league clash against Chorley was abandoned with both sides taking four points.

Batting first, Chorley totalled 211/7 with Jack Catterall and Neil Senior scoring half centuries.

Only 18 overs were possible, however, in the Preston reply as the weather had the last word with their innings on 59/3.

Leyland's league match was also a victim of the weather. With Lancaster 84/2 in reply to Leyland's score of 168 the match had to be abandoned.

They also crashed to defeat in the cup when Morecambe passed Leyland's total of 216 for the loss of just two wickets.

There was better news for Motors in their league and cup double header with Fleetwood. They achieved a winning ten-point draw over Fleetwood in the league encounter with their opponents on 189/7 chasing a challenging total of 220/7 set by the Motormen. Ashraf was the star with the bat for the Motors scoring an undefeated 129.

They followed up this fine performance with a victory in the cup the next day when they overhauled the visitors score of 170 with four wickets to spare.

On Saturday Preston face Motors at home while Leyland visit StAnnes.