Slippery slope for Netherfield (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Slippery slope for Netherfield

9:45am Saturday 20th August 2011 in Northern Premier League By Richard Daniels, Sports editor

Darwen 210-5 Netherfield 126-5 NETHERFIELD were thwarted by a poor pitch at Darwen where play was suspended for an hour and 20 minutes because the bowlers’ run-ups were unsafe.

Professional Ben Laughlin withdrew from the attack after two overs on the slippery surface and did not bowl again until the 26th over.

Darwen made 210 for five in a match reduced to 39 overs a side. Alex Davies hit 62 and professional Mohammad Zaman Khan 52, as John Mason bowled, taking 3-74.

Netherfield’s hopes dipped as they lost openers Mason and Ben Haddrick without any score and were soon 22-3.

A stand of 76 between Ben Barrow (31) and Marc Brown (52, including seven fours) saved the match.

John Huck's unbeaten 19 saw them through to a two-point losing draw on 126-5.