LANCASTER reached the half-way point of the season with a disappointing defeat to league leaders Leyland.
A mutual agreement between the captains meant Lancaster fielded first, hoping to take advantage of some early movement. And stand-in professi
onal, Wasim Khan had immediate success, Karl Cross edging behind in Khan's first over.
Leyland were set back again when a smart run out from Michael Walling was enough to dismiss the stranded Chris Parkinson (eight).
But a third-wicket stand of 81 between Leyland professional Ameer Khan and Ian Farrington helped set the base for a competitive total.
Khan (44) capitalised on anything too short but he gave his wicket away attempting to hit Tim Barry (1-27) over mid-on.
Farrington (40), on the other hand, rode his luck incredibly and managed to rotate the strike with Khan, frustrating Lancaster's fielders.
Walling (3-46) was brought on and he claimed three wickets, tying the batsmen down and building pressure.
Unfortunately, the attacking Andrew Makinson (46) and youngster Tom Reece (35) hit late runs, leaving Lancaster a challenging total of 197 to chase.
Opting to open with spin in the form of veteran David Makinson, Leyland immediately restricted the scoring of Lancaster's openers Michael Stevens and Jamie Heywood.
It was Stevens who was first to go trying to break the shackles and becoming stranded down the wicket. Makinson (5-28) also took the next two wickets of Heywood and Walling, with Lancaster reeling at 33-4 after 20 overs.
It was only really Barry (38) and Brendan Hetherington (26) that brought Lancaster back in contention.
But once Makinson broke that pair, Khan (3-32) was left to torment the lower order, picking up the last three wickets, as the home side crumbled to 115.
* LANCASTER 2nd XI picked up a good win reaching Leyland's total of 83 with four wickets remaining, captain Iain Parkinson making 40 not out.
* Lancashire Ladies are to play a match at Lune Road against Scotland Ladies on July 8. The match starts at 11.30am and spectators are welcome.
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