A HARD fought match leaves both Netherfield and Lancaster too evenly matched.

Netherfield drew with second from bottom Lancaster on a frustrating afternoon for Matt Jackson’s team.

The Field who are likely to finish fifth in the table with one game to spare, struggled on an overcast afternoon where Lancaster Sub Professional Saif Zaib posted a first innings knock of 103 off just 86 balls where the visitors closed on 236-6 off 50.

And despite Brad Earls resistant 72 off 74 and Dan Bernets contribution of 35, Netherfield toiled before hanging on for the draw after both Matt Jackson and Samuel Medhurst saw out the final over as The Field closed on 199-9 off 50 overs. Netherfield who elected to field, saw Laurie Atkinson and Steven Fisher make steady progress for a first wicket stand of 32.

Isaac Medhurst broke the opening stand after he dismissed Fisher who was caught behind by Finlay Richardson before Lancaster recovered with Sub Professional Saif Zaib scoring a quick fire 55 where Lancaster surged ahead onto 110.

Matt Jackson’s team eventually claimed their second wicket when Laurie Atkinson picked out James Price off the bowling of Dan Bernet with Atkinson falling for 38 off 98 balls.

Saif Zaib went onto make a century as he guided Lancaster into a dominant position on 185, however Netherfield eventually dismissed the Sub Professional after he was stumped by Finlay Richardson from Bertie Medhursts delivery.

Lancaster regained their composure and raced onto 231, before Matt Jackson saw off Kieran Moffatt who was caught by James Price.

Netherfield claimed two more quick wickets after Ben Barrow ran out Lee Sparks with Isaac Medhurst taking the wicket of Liam Moffat who was caught by Bertie Medhurst.

Jamie Heywood closed undefeated with 41 off 48 balls while Lancaster closed on 236-6 off 50 overs.

In reply Brad Earl and Josh Dixon were ahead in the chase posting a first wicket partnership of 75, Lancaster made the breakthrough when Saif Zaib bowled Josh Dixon, before the wheels started to come off for the home team.

Ben Barrow batting at number departed falling LBW to Ben Simm before Zaib trapped Brad Earl LBW who scored 72 off 74 balls.

The Field was in further trouble when Simm saw off South African Sub Professional James Price who was caught by Zaib, while Simm ran out Lee Hogg.

And when Jamie Heywood claimed the wicket of Finlay Richardson Netherfield were staring down a disappointing defeat.

Dan Bernet and Isaac Medhurst shored up the Netherfield batting with a steady contribution where they moved onto 181.

Lancaster battled back when Liam Moffat bowled Bernet for 35 off 36 balls while Laurie Atkinson bowled Isaac Medhurst.

Bertie Medhurst attempted to keep Netherfield in the game where he scored 12 off 12 only to be dismissed by Liam Moffat.

As Lancaster required just one wicket to win, both Matt Jackson and Samuel Medhurst saw out the final over before closing on 199-9. Lancaster finished with 12 points and Netherfield claimed 3.

Netherfield travel to Penrith in the final league game of the season on Saturday.