PRESTON have called on Lord's to order a replay of their controversial National Knockout match with Chorley last Sunday (July 2).

Chorley were judged to be the winners on faster run rate when stumps were pulled at 8.30pm, a decision which mystified many in the large crowd who hadn't a clue what was going on.

With Preston still deciding who should bowl the 40th over (of the 45), the umpires called a halt with Chorley still 20 short of Preston's total.

Preston skipper Tony Hesketh said both captains agreed with the umpires that if the match had not been finished at 8.30pm the game would be replayed at a later date. "I stressed before the game was that we wanted a game of 45 overs with no reduced run rate and no reduced overs for the side batting second. The game should have run its full course. Either side could have won." However, Chorley captain Roland Horridge, disagreed. He explained: "I agreed with the umpires and Preston's captain the finish time of 8.30pm. "As far as I am concerned the umpires did their jobs properly taking up the bails at that time. We were the only ones with a set of rules at the match and everything was done in accordance with them. We were ahead on run rate so we won; end of story. Preston are just clutching at straws."

Tony maintained: "We agreed that at 8.30pm if there had been bad weather reducing overs and things that the umpires would decide. But we hadn't had any bad weather."

One of the umpires, Nigel Tench, said: "I was asked for a report for a Lord's enquiry and I have told them what I thought was agreed."

Following a delayed start, Preston batted consistently to post a challenging 182-7 from their 45 overs, John Greaves being the most successful Chorley bowler with 3-24.

Chorley began well in reply with Nigel Heaton (34) and Iqbal Patel (29) putting on 65 for the first wicket.

But when three wickets crashed for one run Chorley were in trouble at 77-4 and it needed a fine stand of 55 for the fifth wicket between Mark Richardson (24) and Jim Fazackerley (38) to put the innings back on course for victory.

The winners of the tie will be in the last 16 nationally and will visit the winners of the South Yorkshire final. Preston are still hoping that they will be making the trip . . .

Final score: PRESTON 182-7 v CHORLEY ... 162-7 -- Chorley win on run-rate