CHORLEY 131, NETHERFIELD 114

CHAMPIONS-elect Netherfield had their colours lowered for the first time this season in the league in a low scoring tussle at Windsor Park.

Overnight rain meant a late start with Chorley's innings reduced to 55 overs. Batting was never easy and Chorley's total of 131 was better than it looked.

Without the injured Heaton, Chorley opened with Bannister and Patel. They actually managed to pass 50 for the loss of just Patel but then a flurry of wickets reduced them to a parlous 68/6.

However Senior and Oakes put on 60 which in the eventual context of the match represented a massive stand. Chorley were eventually dismissed for 131, Senior last man out for 46.

In poor light, Netherfield were soon in trouble against the pace of Marquet and Patel.

Marquet removed Walmsley before bowling professional Vaughan with a peach of a delivery.

Patel and Clarke took the score past 50 before Cooke took a fine catch to dismiss Prime and Marquet shattered the dangerous Clarke's stumps.

Horne's run out triggered a hat-trick of sorts as Cooke got rid of Wheatman and Cleavent in the next two deliveries to leave Netherfield teetering at 86/9. Welbourne and Hadwin provided spirited last-wicket resistance. But the match ended when Welbourne was superbly caught by Oakes to give Cooke his fourth wicket and Chorley 15 points.