BLACKPOOL were struggling at 96 for 5 and Preston must have thought they were in with a chance of pulling off a surprise, but a 48-runs partnership for the sixth wicket between Steven Croft and Paul Danson dented Preston hopes.

Danson and Darron Walton took the score on to 167-7 before Danson was bowled by Henderson for 39 and Blackpool went on to a respectable total.

As so often this season, Preston's reply started badly. They lost opener Antony Mann for two and soon afterwards Munaf Bavla was bowled by Singh without scoring. Paul Mann, who was looking in good form, was caught by Martin Pickles at silly mid-off for 19 and Preston lost their next two wickets at the same total which left them reeling at 31-5.

The Blackpool pace attack of Marcus Sharp and Rudra Singh exploited the lively and unpredictable wicket, using three slips and a gully.

Preston lost their sixth wicket at 44 when Scott Henderson was caught behind by Martin Hackett to become Rudra Singh's sixth victim.

Three balls later rain drove the players from the field, never to return.

Blackpool captain Rudra Singh bowled superbly and his six victims cost just 18 runs.

Final score: PRESTON 44-6 v BLACKPOOL 191-7

Preston travel to Fox Lane for a local derby against Leyland on Saturday (July 8). Their batting will have to improve dramatically, otherwise they will not get enough runs on the board to give their bowlers a chance.