IT was another case of dodging the showers for Lancaster on Saturday, as it poured at Netherfield.

And as if that was not enough, a harsh decision for the result certainly left Lancaster feeling sodden.

The home side were put in and made 153/7 from 35 overs. Netherfield's pro, Pieter Strydom, was the mainstay, scoring 59, while his team-mates chipped in.

Graham Barnes was the most prominent in the Lancaster bowling attack, taking 3/43 off 17 overs.

And Barney was supported by captain, Phil Dennison, who finished with figures of 2/62, having bowled 10 overs.

With just 23 overs, Lancaster were never in serious contention, especially once the first two wickets had fallen at 25, in the tenth over.

Gareth Breese remained unbeaten on 34, having taken the final total to 72/3.

Lancaster had hoped for a draw but a miserable day was complete when Netherfield were awarded a winning draw.

Such a total was never achievable off limited overs yet this did not seem to affect the decision.

The seconds' fixture at Lune Road was rain-free as the sun continued to shine on Lancaster's season.

For the second consecutive week, they ripped through the opposition's batting order. Having chosen to bat, Netherfield were sensationally dismissed for a measly 89, before Lancaster sealed it convincingly.

Superb fielding and catching backed up an excellent bowling performance and Netherfield were goners!

Paul Dennison took 6/38 while Ben Simm and Ian Dawson both bagged a couple of wickets, for 23 and 18 respectively.

If there were any anticipation that Lancaster might slip up, Chris Ferro blew it into oblivion in the first over.

The opener hit 12 though was then bowled on 16. Craig Heywood and Stuart Phillips soon followed, but Lancaster were never in trouble.

Netherfield could not dismiss Ferros opening partner, Al Cunliffe, and he commanded the batting.

Steve Johnstone made a quick 15 before being caught behind then Cunliffe eventually went after 77 runs, having top-scored with 26.

Lancaster finished on 92/6 with Ben Simm scoring the winning runs via three consecutive fours.

The win was made sweeter for Lancaster with news of Morecambe, defeat, tipping the race at the top of the table in Lancaster's favour.

Lancaster face an exciting prospect in the first round of the Cup against Kendal on Saturday.

A win will see the victors receive a bye straight to the semi-final stage. The firsts will compete in the Slater Cup while the seconds are at Lune Road in the Latus Trophy.

RAIN also hampered Morecambe's bid to get back to the top of the table. The Wodhill Lane side remain third behind Netherfield and Chorley.

Morecambe restricted St Annes to just 177 for 9, with bowler Peter Stephens in outstanding form.

He skittled the St Annes batsmen, taking 6 wickets at a cost of just 30 runs after a good stand by the Fylde coast side's opening pair.

Morecambe started well with bat in hand, with Amol Muzumdar unbeaten on 30 and Mark Woodhead making a fine 47 before being clean bowled by Banks.

Thornton put on a further 26 and, with Muzumdar still going and Rudra Singh joining him at the crease, Morecambe would have fancied their chances of going on to top St Annes score without much trouble.

However, as has happened so often, the heavens opened, leaving Morecambe with no choice but to watch the rain fall when they should have been out claiming maximum points in their bid to win the Northern Premier League title.

A bit of rain was the only thing that could have saved Morecambe's seconds in the reverse fixture.

They were bowled out for just 128, and St Annes had little difficulty in beating that total, with the loss of just one wicket.

Morecambe are now third in the table, behind Lancaster and leaders Fleetwood.