THE THWAITES Lancashire Cup match between Netherfield and Castletown from the Isle of Man on Sunday ended in a rain-curtailed duel which Netherfield won by 71 runs.

Castletown, winners of the island’s premier league play-off, flew by light aircraft to Blackpool airport, hoping for at least a good day out in the Lakes.

But the unsettled weather spoiled the afternoon. After an hour's delay to allow the pitch to dry, Netherfield were put in to bat and were humming along merrily at 147 for 1 when heavy rain stopped play after 20 overs.

Gareth White was caught behind for one in the third over, but Netherfield took control with Craig Walmsley and Grahame Clarke trading boundary shots to each make 67, although both players saw regulation catches go to ground.

After an early tea, play did not begin again until 10 past five when, under the agreed formula, Castletown were asked to make 78 for victory off 10 overs but could only afford to lose two wickets.

Trying to blast their way to the target, their third wicket fell in the fourth over with three on the board, bringing Netherfield a visit from Bootle, for whom ex-Lancashire duo Grahame Lloyd and Ian Austin play, in the next round.