LEIGH CC suffered a weekend of double disappointment, losing their league game against Northern on Saturday and then being KO'd from the Lancashire Cup the following day.

Leigh had high hopes of polishing off lowly Northern but the visitors got away to a good start and had 49 on the board in just 10 overs. After being hit for a few boundaries, Ronnie Davis clean bowled Hadden for 29.

But it needed the introduction of Colin Smith the slow down the run rate. He also claimed the prize wicket of Gary Yates, plumb lbw for 40. Sikander also came into his own, claiming two further wickets as Leigh clawed their way back into the game.

Eighty-four for four quickly became 110-6 as Chris Melia dismissed Wildman and Doggett. Only Northern's Aussie, Ezquerro, separated Leigh from taking total command. He played positively and, despite little support from the other end, went on to make a fine 56 before running out of partners.

Davis cleaned up the tail to finish with 3-55, Sikander had 4-72, Smith 1-19 and Melia 2-25 as Northern closed on 177.

Leigh got off to a disastrous start, being reduced to 8-4. Gareth Cross made 15 but when he was out there was a further flurry of wickets with only Sikander putting up any resistance. He reached his 50 with a six and went on to make 72 but was a lone bright note as Leigh crumbled to 117 all out.

Yates and Ezquerro both claimed four wickets apiece as Leigh only picked up four points.

The following day Leigh lost their Lancashire Cup quarter-final tie at Netherfield.

The home side won the toss, decided to bat first and got off to a steady start.

With 42 on the board Prime was bowled by Sikander for nine. Walmsley soon followed, well stumped by Cross off Sikander for 39.

Netherfield pro, Pieter Strydom survived a confident appeal for lbw first ball, but soon got into his stride. With Dutton, the pair added 81 in 16 overs before Dutton was caught by a diving Steve Bailey off the bowling of Dave Potter for 23.

Strydom had by now reached his half century and with wickets in hand they were able to throw the bat. Potter removed Moyes for four but this only allowed the dangerous Clarke to the wicket.

Strydom hit out well before he tried once too often and Potter bowled him for 95. Clarke went on to make a quickfire 52 from just 35 balls as Netherfield closed on 232.

Potter, with 3-43, and Sikander with 2-29, were Leigh's best bowlers.

In reply Leigh lost Batterley and Hallows with 29 on the board. Dove and Sikander tried to build a platform before they fell in quick succession for 22 and 36 respectively and despite taking to score to 88, the run rate had escalated.

Bailey and Cross both made double figures so any slim hopes rested with Davis. He did everything that could have been asked, smashing 64 in 39 balls. But it was to no avail as Leigh finished 44 runs short.

Tomorrow Leigh visit Lytham.