A STOP-start day because of rain for Netherfield appeared to have done their championship challenge no harm in the Bay Northern Premier League on Saturday.

After long hold-ups, Netherfield had to be content with five points from a winning draw, having made 153 for six and visitors Lancaster on 73-3 in reply.

Second-placed Chorley suffered their first defeat of the season, however, going down to Blackpool by one wicket, and third-placed Morecambe's match against St Annes was abandoned because of the weather.

It meant that Netherfield emerged from the weekend in a better position, stretching the six-point gap to nine points.

Kendal found good form, meanwhile, and beat Leyland Motors by a comfortable seven wickets, dismissing the home side for 182 and knocking the runs off with some ease.