FLEETWOOD'S slow left-armer Jeremy Newman took 5-26 to send Preston crashing to an 8 wickets defeat at West Cliff.

Preston are now two points adrift of Leyland at the bottom of the table.

Batting first, Preston struggled to 121-9 off their allotted 50 overs.

Apart from Lee Kearsley who contributed 36, and John Fleetwood 27, they had no against the accuracy of Newman.

Fleetwood raced to victory for the loss of only two wickets.

Michael Clinning top scored with 51, and Ross Denning made 42.

Leyland suffered an eight wickets defeat at Fox Lane.

Batting first they totalled 153-6, with professional Paul Tebay carrying his bat for 68.

Lancaster, courtesy of their West Indian professional Laurie Williams with an undefeated hard-hitting 85, and opening batsman David Heywood - 40 not out - saw their side through to a comfortable victory.

Leyland DAF were easily beaten by current league champions Morecambe at Woodhill Lane.

DAF were dismissed for 122, with Morecambe's South African professional Steven Pope taking 4-42 with his leg-spinners, while all-rounder Gulam Maje surpassed him with 4-31.

After their losing draw to Kendal, league leaders St Annes have had their lead reduced to six points by Chorley and Lancaster.

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