PRESTON Mariners were narrowly defeated by Manchester Saints in their opening North West League match of the season.

The game got off to a slow start with neither side scoring in the first innings. Preston scored three in the second with James Leckey hitting a two base hit to bring Tom Warwick home before scoring himself.

Manchester replied with two runs, and a further four in the fifth innings to take a 6-4 lead. Preston came back strongly in the sixth innings, though, to score a maximum five runs and then stopped Manchester from scoring with a brilliant double play involving Lars Kristensen, Tyler Mattler and James Leckey. Manchester only managed to add one more run, but it was enough to win by two runs.