ON a day more akin to March winds and April showers the top two met at Garstang, where the home side, in second place, entertained leaders Longridge.

Not surprisingly, the visitors got the better of the conditions -and Garstang- to win with seven wickets to spare.

Longridge restricted the home side to 88 for 9 courtesy of Andy Dodd who returned 6 for 42, then hit the target with 92 for 3, Ian Barton contributing a half century.

Vernon Carus crashed the Fulwood and Broughton bowlers for 225 for the loss of five wickets with a fine unbeaten 64 by Tim Bryning, but the Fulwood side held on at 176 for 9, thanks to a gallant 83 by Steve Bunning.

Penwortham drew with Springfields. Dave Jackson top scored for Penwortham with 63 of his sides 161 for 5, but Springfields stayed to the end on 133 for 7.

Struggling Fylde were narrowly beaten in a low scoring encounter.

Bowled out for 86 (Ingle 5/38), Fylde then reduced Thornton Cleveleys to 88 for 8 through Hallworth 4 for 42 and Partington 3 for 13.

Half-way through the season Longridge have opened up a lead of 26 points over Garstang, who then have a 16 point lead over third-placed Thornton Cleveleys.

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