NETHERFIELD picked up some much-needed points but that could not stop them sliding down to fifth in the Northern Premier League table.

Saturday gave the Parkside Road outfit the opportunity to enact some revenge on Lancaster, who beat them on Twenty20 Finals day in the semi-final the week before.

And it was a great start for Netherfield despite losing the toss and being asked to bat.

Openers Marc Brown and Chris Williams put on a partnership of 102, the latter striking seven fours and a six, to put Netherfield firmly in the driving seat before he was caught for 44 by Scott Sparks off Lancaster pro Timycen Maruma, whose form has markedly improved over recent weeks.

Williams went on to make 55 over 91 balls and in 97 minutes before he was dismissed, leaving Netherfield on 112-2.

Captain John Mason had decided to change the order again, with Ben Haddrick up to number four on his re-appearance in the side and John Huck down to five, but both men only managed three runs in their innings.

South African pro Cobus Pienaar improved on his recent performances with 36 runs as Netherfield finished their innings 166-4 off a reduced 45 overs because of three rain delays.

Maruma was pick of the bowlers for Lancaster as he recorded 3-41.

And he was their main man in the reply, scoring 73 not out off 92 balls with an impressive display.

His greatest support came from the two men above him in the order as Alex Metcalfe scored 20 before he was caught by Williams off Pienaar, and the South African claimed the wicket of former Kendal man Jamie Heywood when he caught and bowled him for 26.

Pienaar, Marc Hadwin and Williams shared two wickets apiece as Netherfield made in-roads into the Lancaster batting order.

But there was not enough time for ‘Field to claim the victory and they had to settle for an eight-point winning draw.

Lancaster picked up two bonus points.