IT has not been a good season so far for Leyland, and on Saturday it looked as though it would hit rock bottom before play even began, when the heavy roller broke down as it was leaving the square. Eventually, though, the problem was solved and play began an hour late.

Preston batted first and steady batting down the card helped them to a score of 198 all out.

Munaf Bavla top scored with 47 but only four of Preston's batsmen failed to reach double figures.

Parvez Shuma had the best returns of the Leyland bowling taking 4 for 55 off 17 overs. Unusually for Leyland, Steve Pallett failed to get any wickets. In reply Leyland reached 117 for 6 with Zubs Patel scoring 64 not out and pro Moin ul Atiq 23.

Leyland took five points from the game to remain anchored at the bottom of the table second while Preston gained nine points to hold second place, 12 points behind leaders Netherfield.

Over at Thurston Road, Chorley elected to bat and made a score of 212 all out with the excellent Tom Smith scoring 87 an innings that included 12 fours.

Motros' former professional Stephen John did not do his old club any favours when he scored 35 including three sixes.

When Leyland went into bat John was soon among the wickets trapping opener Totham lbw for a duck and ending up with an analysis of 2 for 34 off 17.

Motors skipper David Makinson scored an unbeaten half century.

Although Motors could only record a losing draw, the six points they gained were enough to lift them above Barrow in the league to leave them third from bottom in the table.

Preston visit Kendal on Saturday while Leyland travel to St Annes and Motors host Lancaster.