NETHERFIELD lost by five wickets to Leyland in the Pro 40 Cup semi final at Parkside Road.

The Field, who were the defending champions of the competition, were bowled out in the first innings for 90 after Karl Cross, Henry Thompson, Curtis Watson and David Makinson picked up two wickets apiece.

The visitors knocked the runs off in 30.2 overs as they closed on 91-5. Thompson was the top scorer with 31 off 52 balls.

Netherfield battled through Nathan Chambers and Tom Williamson who picked up two wickets each, while Geeth Kumara finished with figures of 1-32.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Netherfield were quickly reduced to 11-3 after Brad Earl was caught behind by Alex Williams off the bowling of Ross Bretherton, while Josh Dixon and Lewis Edge were dismissed by Cross. Dixon fell to a good catch by Pabusara Waduge while Edge picked out Bretherton.

Ben Barrow and Sri Lankan sub professional Kumara dug in as Netherfield attempted to recover the innings, however, Leyland broke through when Kumara was dismissed by Thompson.

Netherfield edged onto 51 before John Huck was bowled by Thompson, while Barrow fell to Watson.

The gloom descended over Parkside Road when Makinson bowled Dan Ingham as Netherfield were left on 65-7.

Leyland quickly finished Netherfield off as Lewis Richardson, Mark Clarkson and Tom Williamson were all dismissed.

In reply, Leyland made a good start with Tom Reece and Thompson putting on a first-wicket stand of 59. However, Netherfield battled back to take three quick wickets as Leyland were reduced to 60-3.

Williamson broke the opening partnership after trapping Reece LBW, before taking the wicket of Leyland professional Waduga. Kumara also picked up the wicket of Thompson as Leyland were under pressure.

However, the visitors raced home as both Bretherton and Cross finished the game off with Leyland closing on 91-5 off 30.2 overs.

Leyland play Barrow in the final this Sunday.