THE WEATHER had the final word at Windsor Park on Saturday as Chorley's game with Lancaster had to be abandoned with both sides taking four points, a blow to their title hopes after they seemed set for victory.

Batting first Chorley soon lost Richardson but Bannister and Horridge compiled a fine stand until rain intervened for the first time after 30 overs with the score 84/1.

After a delay of almost an hour Bannister fell for an excellent 40 which brought Patel to the wicket and he murdered the Lancaster attack crashing 52 off just 41 balls.

His partnership with Horridge realised 95 in just 45 minutes, Patel crashing two huge sixes and half a dozen fours.

Horridge continued his excellent form before being caught behind for a splendid 85 to take him close to 700 league runs.

As soon as Chorley reached 210, Horridge declared but the rain returned after only two overs of the Lancaster reply. After another hold-up play resumed with Marquet shattering Heywood's stumps but the rain had the final say shortly afterwards.

And, as Chorley hadn't been able to bowl the minimum 20 overs required to make it a 'match', they had to settle for four points to fall further behind Netherfield in the title chase.

This Saturday Chorley are at home again when they entertain Kendal.

SCORES: Chorley 210/4 dec Lancaster 34/1 (match abandoned)

Roland Horridge's fine innings took him past 900 runs for the season in all competitions.

He requires 202 from a possible six innings to beat the club's amateur batting record in the league, an aggregate of 885 set by John Kearsley in 1980.