Chorley were asked to bat first by Leyland skipper Andy Arnott, and Tom Smith and opening partner Neil Bannister set off in hot weather, producing a partnership to match it.

Both batsmen were in excellent touch and after a cautious start against some tight bowling by Tennant and Wright, started to cut loose posting the hundred partnership in the 28th over and eventually compiling 157 before Bannister edged to the keeper for a splendid 66.

Smith then shared mini-partnerships with Heaton and Hotham before reaching his third ton of his highly productive season. But immediately after hoisting Mercer's first ball for a massive six, he played a tired looking shot and was stumped for 108.

Chorley finally closed their innings on 221/6 which, on a good looking pitch, was by no means an impregnable total.

Leyland made solid early progress and though openers Mercer and Parkinson went relatively cheaply, substitute professional Jonathan Harvey played superbly to give the visitors hope of victory. With good support from Wright, the pair took Leyland past the hundred mark midway through the innings before Wright played a wild waft at Dhani and was well caught by Billy Smith.

The crucial wicket of Harvey came soon after when a skied top edge was superbly pouched by John Hotham running back from slip towards the boundary for a strong contender for any catch of the season award.

Pearson and Tennant hit a few belligerent blows but another excellent catch, this time by Chris Roe in the deep ended that particular piece of entertainment and when Tom Smith returned to pick up two wickets in as many overs, Leyland were content to hold on for the draw.