NETHERFIELD defeated Garstang by five wickets in the last game of The Northern Premier Cricket League season – but narrowly failed to retain their league title.

Marc Hadwin's bowling return of 2-50 saw Netherfield restrict Garstang to a competitive 156 for 5 when batting first and Ben Barrow's undefeated 59 and Jack Boyle's 51 saw the locals close on 159 for 5 in a rain-reduced contest.

Despite the win, Netherfield finished second to Blackpool in the Northern Premier League as the Seasiders beat Penrith by ten wickets.

It proved to be a wet and miserable afternoon at Garstang where play did not get underway until 4.15pm due to persistent rain, with the game reduced to 25 overs a side.

Netherfield won the toss and opted to give Garstang first use of what was, obviously, a relatively wet track.

Garstang made a good start as Michael Walling and Fayaz Ughrader posted a first wicket stand of 45 before Matt Jackson bowled Walling for 30. And once he had gone, 'Field began to take control as Marc Hadwin claimed the wicket of Ughrader, caught by John Huck.

They gained further momentum when Hadwin captured Michael Walling, but Garstang dug in as Mark Walling and Matt Crowther posted a fourth wicket stand of 52 to move the hosts on to a relatively competitive 136.

However, Netherfield slowed the run rate down when Harrison Cox ran out Crowther and then claimed the wicket of Ian Walling to see Garstang close on 156 for 5, with Mark Walling undefeated on 54.

Ben Barrow and Jack Boyle set about the run chase in emphatic fashion, posting an imperious first wicket partnership of 86 before Garstang pulled the game back as Oousthuysen bowled Boyle and John Huck to put 'Field under some pressure on 98 for 2.

Barrow and Brad Earl steadied the innings, edging the3 side onto 127 before Garstang yet again battled back as Earl was caught by Mark Walling off the bowling of Michael Walling and Danny Gilbert picked up the wicket of Lewis Edge.

And though Ousthuysen trapped Lewis Richardson LBW, Netherfield eased to victory as Barrow and Josh Dixon closed the game out on 159 for 5 – with two balls to spare. Ben Barrow batted throughout the innings for an undefeated 59 off 68 balls.