Netherfield cause upset at final hurdle

Netherfield went to the top of the 3D Sports Northern Premier Cricket League for the first time this season after completing an amazing 15-points victory over Carnforth in which off-spinner Chris Miller took 10-51.

Miller became only the second bowler in Northern League history to claim all ten wickets in an innings, following on from Morecambe professional Colin Hilton who collected 10-39 in 1969.

The Cumberland county player routed Carnforth in an inspired spell of bowling from the pavilion end, claiming three victims bowled, one lbw and six caught as the home side were dismissed for 99. Netherfield professional Callum Ferguson claimed the final catch to dismiss Adam Cowperthwaite with Carnforth still 86 runs short of the visitors' 185 for 9.

Carnforth sub-professional Wayne Madsen had provided the main resistance with a superb 57.

Ferguson's masterly 103 not out on a wet pitch earlier in the afternoon was overshadowed by Miller's heroics. The South Australian took his seasonal league tally to 1,307, 44 short of equalling Terry Hunte's all-time league record with a potential two innings to come as he reached three figures for the sixth time this year.

Netherfield have now won six of their last seven games, the other being abandoned, and gained 91 points from a potential 105 in their astonishing rise up the table.

Overnight leaders Kendal lost at home to Leyland after being bowled out for 145 at Shap Road. Hunte top-scored with 43 as Leyland vice captain Peter Cummings continued his fine recent bowling form with a return of 4-43. Leyland professional Ameer Khan, who recently re-signed for the 2009 season, steered his side home with an undefeated 70.

Blackpool rediscovered their fighting spirit after two Bank Holiday defeats but had to settle for a winning draw against Morecambe at Woodhill Lane. Their Sri Lankan professional Sajeewa Weerakoon top-scored with 52 in his side's innings of 134 as Jono Gates took 5-43. Weerakoon then took 4-18 in 25 overs but Morecambe held out for a draw on 87 for eight thanks largely to Phil Dennison's stubborn resistance.

Former Pakistan test player Atiq Uz-Zaman hit his fourth century of the season, an outstanding 124 not out, to spearhead St Annes' convincing win at West Cliff over Preston.

Atiq batted throughout the St Annes innings of 214 for four in an innings described by one veteran supporter as one of the finest ever seen on the ground. He hit four sixes and eight fours and has now scored 979 league runs, 106 short of equalling Rohan Kanhai's club record.

In reply, Preston were bowled out for 105 with 16-year-old seamer Zaffir Patel taking 5-29. Departing St Annes professional Mansoor Ahmed had a good day. He hit 53, sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 160 in 31 overs with Atiq and the collected 5-34 with his leg-spin.

Josh Tolley continued his outstanding season with 101 off 153 balls in Chorley's winning draw at Ernest Pass. The 18-year-old Chorley opener took his seasonal run tally to 703 at an average of 50 as the visitors, captained by Andy Holdsworth, in the absence of Jack Catterall totalled 188 for eight. Mike Critchley hit 47 as 15-year-old Barrow leg-spinner Liam Livingstone took 4-54.

Paul Wilcock (42 not out) and captain Daryl Wearing (37) steered their side to a draw in Barrow's 155 for 8. Professional Friedel de Wet took one for 55 in his final Chorley appearance before returning to South Africa.

Despite fine bowling returns from Lancaster youngsters Scott Sparks and Michael Walling visitors Darwen earned a welcome 15 points from their trip to Lune Road. Sparks took 5-36 and Walling 4-33 as Darwen were bowled out for 127. But departing Darwen professional Atif Ashraf then collected 4-43 as the home side were dismissed for 106 in return, Stuart Hampson weighing in with 3-24 as Lancaster suffered three run-outs.