Netherfield remain top of Northern League Division One after a seven wicket win against Garstang at Parkside Road.

Ben Barrow and Brad Earl's third wicket partnership of 150 proved crucial after Netherfield chased down Garstang;s first innings total of 209-8.

Barrow, who batted throughout the second innings, closed on an undefeated 86 off 143 balls while Earl top scored with 91, after Netherfield recovered from 38-2, before closing on 213-3 off 47 overs.

Prior to the game it was announced that Netherfield were to be docked two points for a slow over rate in their winning draw at Chorley. However, the decision made by the league may be appealed by the club.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Garstang made a steady start after Michael Walling and Mark Winstanley frustrated with a first wicket stand of 31.

Netherfield broke the partnership when Bevan Small bowled Mark Winstanley for 12, before Robbie Dwyer bowled Walling with Garstang struggling on 51-2.

Michael Walling and Punit Bisht led the recovery after Garstang upped the run rate with the visitors gaining some momentum as they pushed their score on to 108.

However, Netherfield seized the initiative when Walling was caught behind by Lewis Edge off the bowling of Joel Blain.

Netherfield, buoyed by the dismissal, began to slow the visitors down after Blain claimed the crucial wickets of Punit Bisht, who departed for 57 before bowling Matt Crowther for 10.

Scott Clement was brought into the attack and saw off Danny Gilbert, who was caught behind by Lewis Edge, before Marc Hadwin picked up the wicket of Naqib Rahman, who saw his tame shot caught by Ben Barrow.

Clement caught and bowled Ian Walling, while Michael Wellings finished undefeated on 30 after Garstang closed on 209-8.

Netherfield made a bad start in reply after both Josh Dixon and Bevan Small were bowled by Danny Gilbert, and the Field struggled on 38-2.

Ben Barrow and Brad Earl regained control of the innings after posting a dominant third wicket partnership of 150.

This saw Netherfield move on to 188 but the partnership was eventually broken after Gilbert bowled Earl for 91 off 88 bowls.

However, Ben Barrow remained undefeated on 86 off 143 balls while Lewis Edge. who closed with 11 off 12. hit the winning runs after the former Morecambe player hit the ball over the boundary ropes while Netherfield closed on 213-3 off 47.1 overs.

Netherfield travel to play reigning league champions Blackpool on Saturday.