NETHERFIELD skipper Marc Brown admits his frustration at the the re-calculated victory target which allowed Lancaster to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and prevail in a rain-affected clash at Lune Road.

Struggling at 60-3 after 20 overs in response to Netherfield’s 183-9, the weather intervened which resulted in a revised victory target for the hosts – 136 from 33 overs.

Requiring a further 76 from 13 overs with seven wickets in hand, New Zealand professional Michael Barry together with Sam Moorby saw the hosts home in the 31st over.

Netherfield were left reeling by the re-jigged target as victory would have seen the Parkside Road club claim a fifth league win in six, although Brown insists his side need to plough on regardless.

“We felt really hard done by,” he said.

“We were well on top when the rain came and the calculation didn’t seem to take any wickets into consideration and it just played completely into Lancaster’s hands.

“In terms of the wicket, it was one of those where a little bit of moisture was only going to make it better.

“We played well and had a good score on the board and they required close to five runs an over so a lot could have happened.

“Realistically, we’ve just said the game didn’t really happen and we simply have to move on and use it as motivation for the remainder of the season.

“I’m not sure we’ve had three league wins on the spin since I’ve been captain so that would’ve been nice but we simply need to get on another run now.”

Netherfield host Penrith in the Northern Premier Cricket League on Saturday before hitting the trophy trail on Sunday with a Readers Cup quarter-final tie with Leyland.

After reaching the semi-final stage of the completion last season before losing in controversial circumstances to Blackpool, Brown is backing his side to shine again, despite rating opponents Leyland highly.

“At home we’ve been batting well so we fancy ourselves,” he added.

“Penrith’s first season in the league has been mixed but there is no doubt the match will be a tough ask and they will be keen to do well with two former Netherfield players in their team adding to proceedings.

“Leyland are widely respected as the best team in the league, they have a good pro this year in Australia’s Alex Ross who has scored a hatful of runs so we know he will be a big wicket.

“They also have Lancashire’s Luis Reece. They are a proper team and that’s what we’re aspiring to be like. We’re really looking forward to the weekend.”

Teams:

Netherfield v Penrith (Saturday, Northern League): Marc Brown (c), Ben Barrow, Ben Phillips, John Huck, Saliya Saman, Joe Atkinson, Tom Williamson, Brad Earl, Mark Clarkson, Ryan Wilson, Nathan Chambers

Netherfield v Leyland (Sunday, Readers Cup): Marc Brown (c), Ben Barrow, Ben Phillips, John Huck, Saliya Saman, Joe Atkinson, Tom Williamson, Brad Earl, Mark Clarkson, Ryan Wilson, Stuart DIxon