Rain denies Pool

PRESTON won the toss and put Blackpool in to bat. And it appeared a very prudent decision when Blackpool lost their first wicket with only one run on the scoreboard. Martin Pickles was caught behind by Paul Mann off Julian Edwards for nought.

Unfortunately, Mark Lomas had to retire hurt with the score at 26-1 after 6.4 overs after being hit on the head from a rising delivery. Thankfully, he was able to resume his innings after Blackpool lost their second wicket at 33 in the 12th over but this time with the assistance of a batting helmet.

Nevertheless, once Lomas was caught by Scott Henderson, the Preston professional off James Anyon for 31 he went to hospital for a check-up. He returned during the tea interval with his head heavily bandaged but was able to field throughout the Preston innings at slip.

Things were still evenly balanced when Blackpool captain, Danson was bowled by Henderson for 39. Walton and Blackpool professional, Marcus Sharp featured in an unbroken 8th wicket partnership of 24. Walton was unbeaten with sixteen and Sharp with ten as the Blackpool run rate increased dramatically in the latter part of their innings. Preston's reply started badly and they lost opener, Antony Mann for two bowled by Rudra Singh, which left them on 3-1.

Fifteen runs later, Munaf Bavla was bowled by Singh without scoring. The third Preston wicket fell at 25 when Paul Mann was caught by Martin Pickles at silly mid-off for nineteen.

Then Rudra Singh took two wickets with the score on 31. He had Jabir Namajee caught at silly mid-off by Martin Pickles for two, and bowled Manoj Parekh for nought.

Preston lost their sixth wicket at 44 when Scott Henderson was caught behind by Martin Hackett off Singh for fourteen, on the last ball of the 20th over.

Three balls later, rain drove the players from the field, never to return. Paul Paynter was one not out, and Tony Hesketh was still to open his account.

The Blackpool opening bowling attack of Marcus Sharp and Rudra Singh exploited the lively and unpredictable wicket, using three slips, and a gulley. Rudra Singh bowled superbly to take 6-18 from 10 overs. He was ably supported by Marcus Sharp who bowled 10.3 overs for only 20 runs.

This was Blackpool's fourth rain affected game of the season, and they had to settle for six points.

Blackpool have a tough game on Saturday when they travel to Windsor Park to play Chorley.

Although Blackpool are in third position which is four places, and 25 points clear of Chorley, they will have to play to their full potential to record their sixth win of the season as the home side have some useful players including their Australian professional Josh Marquet.