THE chance of silverware slipped away for Netherfield as they fell to defeat in a rain affected 40 Over Cup Final at Parkside Road on Sunday.

With home advantage, Ben Barrow's side were favourites to repeat last year's success when they lifted the trophy after defeating Garstang in the final.

But a St Annes side which in recent weeks has been transformed from relegation strugglers to a formidable outfit saw them off by a 15 run margin.

It left the home faithful disappointed but at least they had the consolation of seeing some cricket, which had seemed unlikely after persistent rain had soaked the ground earlier in the day.

Indeed, it looked at one stage as though the final would be abandoned until a later date, but the skies belatedly cleared and a 15 over game began in bright late afternoon sunshine.

Barrow has had no luck with the toss recently and once again lost out with St Annes choosing to bat.

A spectacular catch by Australian overseas amateur Joel Blain off Sam Medhurst broke the opening partnership but the visitors then took control with a crucial second wicket stand of 69 between Mohamed Nadeem and Tom Higson.

A flurry of late wickets slowed the run rate down but the visitors will have been happy enough with a final total of 118-6.

And they were even happier when Lewis Edge was caught behind first ball by Richard Staines off Ullah.

Barrow and professional Bevan Small's steady second wicket partnership of 33 went some way to repairing the damage, but once the stand was broken when Small was also picked up by Staines, wickets fell steadily and the home side ended 16 runs short of victory on 103-7.

It was a disappointing end to a disappointing weekend for Field whose poor league form continued the previous day when they lost narrowly at Fleetwood.

Barrow top scored with 55 as his side struggled to 141-9 off 50 overs.

To their credit, they made the home side fight, Jackson and Isaac Medhurst both picking up three wickets, but the home side held their nerve to edge home with two wickets and three overs to spare.

However, Netherfield Seconds went some way to lifting the gloom with a comprehensive 116 run victory against St Annes Seconds at Parkside Road on Saturday.

Tom Anderton top scored with 41 as the home side posted 177, then in reply four wickets each from Joel Derham and Joel Bibby saw St Annes bowled out for just 61.