Nathan Chambers' First Innings return of 5-24 and Brad Earl's undefeated second innings knock of 74-51 balls guided Netherfield to a comprehensive 7 wicket win at Fulwood and Broughton.

Chambers' five wicket haul restricted Fulwood and Broughton to a below par total of 167-7 off 50 overs, before Earl's undefeated knock of 74 saw Netherfield close on 169-3 off 32.3 overs.

Netherfield who won the toss and elected to field made an instant impact after Nathan Chambers bowled Mark Smith, while the host were reduced to 32-2 when Harrison Cox claimed the wicket of Fulwood Professional Simon Kerrigan who played a tame shot into the hands of Brad Earl.

The Field continued to work through Fulwood’s top order when Matt Jackson trapped Rana Singh LBW for 27.

Richard Turner and Charlie Rossiter resisted the Netherfield attack as the hosts edged onto 68, before Lewis Richardson bowled Rossiter for 18.

Fulwood continued to battle with the hosts moving onto 98, however the key moment of the innings came after Fulwood’s Rob Dingle was sent off by the umpire for obstructing the field.

The decision to send off Dingle while it had little effect on the overall outcome of the game, gave Netherfield another wicket with the hosts in trouble on 98-5.

Netherfield had to remain patient as Richard Turner and Callum Brooks contributed with a sixth wicket stand of 23.

The partnership that had initially guided Fulwood and Broughton onto 121 came to an end when Turner picked out Cox off the bowling of Chambers.

Once Turner fell for 45 Chambers finished with figures of 5-24 after the opening bowler claimed the wickets of Joe Fenton, Dominic Jackson and Chris Brookes.

Callum Brookes and Usman Sadaqat guided Fulwood to a first innings total of 167-7 off 50 overs.

In Netherfield’s run chase, Ben Barrow and Josh Dixon laid the foundation with a solid first wicket partnership of 54.

Fulwood battled back after Netherfield lost 3 wickets in quick succession after the visitors were reduced to 58-3.

Dixon was the first to be dismissed when the former Morecambe player was bowled by Joe Fenton, before Simon Kerrigan picked up the key wickets of Ben Barrow and John Huck. Barrow was caught by Rana Singh with Huck caught behind by Mark Smith.

However Brad Earl and Jack Boyle regained control of innings, after Netherfield surged home to victory closing on 169-3 off 32.2 overs.

Earl posted an undefeated knock of 74 off just 51 balls while Boyle made an undefeated 37 off 68 balls. Earl scored 6 sixes and 6 fours in his innings with Boyle scoring 6 fours.

Netherfield who are now nine points clear at the top of The Northern Premier Cricket League face a crucial weekend of action after they travel to play Chorley on Saturday before the face second placed Blackpool on Bank Holiday Monday in what could potentially be the decisive game for the Northern Premier Cricket League title with wickets pitched at 12.30 for both games.