THE rain came to Chorley's rescue at Woodhill Lane on Saturday with Morecambe seemingly on the verge of certain victory.

As it turned out, Chorley escaped with a winning draw and took four points to Morecambe's three in a match that ended Chorley 130,

Morecambe 120/4.

Batting first, Chorley were given a flying start by Patel who scored 40 of the first 49 runs before being caught. Unfortunately, by then Heaten, Mawdesley and Greaves were already back in the pavilion and Fazackerley soon followed. All five wickets had fallen to Stephens who bowled superbly and eventually finished with 6/30. Horridge and Bannister took the total past 90 before Horridge was caught behind. Marquet added useful runs but when Bannister was last man out for a patient 30, Chorley's total of 130 looked inadequate.

Morecambe's innings, though, was soon in trouble. Patel produced a superb first over uprooting Mashiter's off stump and trapping professional Prince lbw to leave the home side 4/2.

Woodhead, having been dropped by Fazackerley, was caught off a skier by Bannister and Marquet removed Maje courtesy of Heaton's slip catch. Captain Thornton batted thunderously hitting three sixes in a rapid 33 and with good support from Milner took Morecambe to the brink of a win.

However, just after 6 o'clock, the rain came and although not particularly heavy, it was steady enough to halt proceedings for good.

This Saturday Chorley travel to Preston and on Sunday make the trip to Darwen for the Slater Cup semi-final.