A SECOND innings half century by Netherfield Skipper Ben Barrow ensured that his side held on for a losing draw in their home game with Leyland.

Leyland, who posted a dominant score of 289-6, were unable to bowl Netherfield out in their reply as Barrow's team closed on 180-8.

Netherfield had New Zealand professional Tom Bruce make his debut, and also gave a start to Joe Atkinson.

After winning the toss and electing to field, it was Leyland who got off to the better start as Chris Parkinson and Karl Cross put on a first wicket stand of 76. Both openers got out of the blocks quickly, as Netherfield were toiling in the field.

Cross went on to make 57 off just 48 balls before he was eventually run out by the debuting Bruce.

The wicket didn’t slow Leyland down though as they pushed on to 111, thanks to Parkinson and Henry Thompson.

However Netherfield claimed another wicket as Parkinson was bowled for 46 off 64 balls by overseas amateur Daniel Ingham.

Leyland continued to build partnerships, with Thompson and Nathan McDonnell pushing the visitors ahead to an imposing 241. With Leyland all set for a big score, Nathan Chambers broke the partnership as McDonnell picked out Joe Atkinson. McDonnell going for 65 off 67 balls.

With Netherfield starting to gain some momentum, Mark Clarkson bowled Thompson for an impressive 82 off 101 balls. Thompson's knock included eight fours and four sixes.

Netherfield closed the innings as Ingham caught and bowled Andrew Makinson for 24, before Clarkson dismissed Ross Bretherton for six.

Netherfield got off to the worst possible start in their chase as they were reduced to 15-2, as Joe Atkinson and Bruce both fell to Will Jacques. Atkinson was caught by wicket keeper Jacob Wright, before Bruce fell for a duck after picking out Richard Everett.

Barrow and Ben Phillips then steadied the ship, as they guided Netherfield to 89, with Barrow going on to post a half-century knock 94 balls.

Sadly for Netherfield, Leyland broke into the partnership as Barrow and Phillips both fell in quick succession to McDonnell. Barrow being caught by Jacob Wright, while Phillips picked out Henry Thompson.

Netherfield, now struggling on 99-4, were in danger of losing the game when John Huck, Brad Earl and Ingham were all dismissed as Netherfield were reduced to 140-7.

Huck falling to Will Jacques for 23, while Earl fell to Thompson for 12 leaving Ingham who was dismissed by David Makinson for seven.

However Nathan Dixon and Liam Dugdale dug in for Barrow's team with Dixon posting an unbeaten knock of 22 off 21 balls.

Dugdale was just as impressive as he posted 19 off 34 balls, before becoming Will Jacques' fourth victim as Jacques returned figures of 4-48.

Mark Clarkson faced two balls for 0 runs as Netherfield held out and closed on 180-8.