A FOURTH-WICKET partnership of 123 between Alan Richardson and professional Stephen John put Leyland DAF into a strong position in their Northern League clash with visitors Fleetwood -- but soon after their run-spree the rains cam and their efforts proved to be all in vain.

It was a rain-swept North West on Saturday afternoon and very little play was possible. Every team picked up four points.

The Daf match survived best and third-placed Fleetwood were certainly on the back foot after Richardson and John had carved a big hole in their attack.

John departed with the score on 142-4 being caught and bowled by Mark Wilkinson for an aggressive 73. He batted 82 minutes and hit three sixes and nine fours.

Ironically, after such a large partnership, Richardson was dismissed three runs later, caught by Andy Singleton to become Wilkinson's second victim for a splendid 55. He batted 115 minutes and hit two fours and a six.

Ben Henderson and Dipak Patel had still to get off the mark when the weather broke with Daf on 145 for 5. Patel was making a guest appearance for his old club while he was on holiday from the USA. He says he always follows the club's fortunes and wished them well for the rest of the season.

This Saturday Leyland DAF are involved in a local derby against Preston.

Both teams have to register their first league win of the season and only eight points separate the two sides who are firmly at the bottom of the table.

Much may depend on who wins the toss because DAF have a more dependable batting line-up.

Preston probably have the youngest opening pace attack in the league now that Julian Edwards has joined them from Leyland.

He had no chance to shine on Saturday as he had only bowled two balls before the match at Chorley was abandoned.

Leyland travel to Vernon Road to play St Annes which will be a tough proposition because many believe St Annes posses the best all-round professional in the league in Dave Callaghan.

Recently he deputised for the suspended Hansie Cronje in the one day series against Australia.

Leyland had a couple of early successes in their abandoned match at home to Lancaster who recovered to 72 for 3 when the heavens opened.

Lancaster's captain and opening batsman David Heywood was bowled by Steven Pallett without a run on the board and two runs later, Lancaster's West Indian professional, Gareth Breese was bowled by Paul Haydock for two.