PRESTON stormed to second place in the Northern Premier League with a crushing 158-run victory over Morecambe.

An unbeaten century from Pervez Shah and 79 from Raouf Akbar helped Preston set a massive total of 246 /6

Akbar was equally impressive with the ball taking four wickets for 45 while Manoj Parekh took four for 16 to dismiss their opponents for just 88 and take the maximum 15 points.

Preston's fourth victory of the season leaves them just six points behind leaders Darwen who defeated Leyland (143/7) by four wickets. The defeat leaves Leyland at the bottom of the table

It was a better weekend for Leyland Motors who enjoyed a 15-point home victory against Chorley thanks to a fine all-round performance by professional Atif Ashraf.

He scored 51 to help Motors set what appeared to be a modest total of 157/9 before taking six wickets for 36 to help dismiss the visitors for 152.

On Saturday Preston visit Netherfield, Motors visit Morecambe while Leyland host Kendal.