OUT of sorts Netherfield slumped to their first defeat of the season in a rain affected Northern League encounter against Leyland at Parkside Road on Saturday.

Having been set a victory target of 151 from a rain reduced 35 overs, they were bowled out for just 59 on a rare off day for the table toppers, whose lead has now been cut to one point.

Persistent rain had put the game in doubt but the weather relented and proceedings got underway at 3.45pm.

Netherfield won the toss and unsurprisingly opted to bowl, but Leyland made the better start when Henry Thompson and Karl Cross posted a first wicket stand of 25 before Bevan Small struck, the New Zealand paid man having both openers caught behind by Lewis Edge.

Kurtis Watson was run out by Tom Anderton, while Robbie Dwyer trapped Saif Badar but Nathan McDonnell and Ross Bretherton then frustrated the home side by pushing the score on to 96 before McDonnell fell to Joel Blain.

Matt Jackson then weighed with three quick wickets as the former Torrisholme captain dismissed James Rounding, Ross Bretherton and Saif Vohra, with Leyland closing on 150-8.

In reply, Netherfield made the worst possible start as Josh Dixon lasted just three balls before being caught by Bretherton off Karl Cross’s delivery.

Leyland’s opening attack of Bretherton and Cross bowled superbly, Cross having home skipper Ben Barrow caught behind and Bretherton seeing off Brad Earl and Small.

Lewis Richardson’s tame shot was picked out by James Rounding and though Edge and Tom Anderton offered some resistance, they both fell in quick succession and soon afterwards, Watson wrapped things up with the wickets of Dwyer and Marc Hadwin

On Saturday, Netherfield travel to in form Fulwood & Broughton.