Rain ruins chance of close finish for Seconds

Preston 2nd XI v Watford Town 2nd XI Saturday 11th May 2013
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Rain spoiled a potentially close finish to Preston 2nd’s game with Watford Town 2nd XI. Batting first, Preston made a disastrous start, collapsing to 20 for 3 before skipper Matt Burleigh joined opener Pete Murrell to rebuild the innings. Burleigh made a typically belligerent 52* in Preston’s total of 149 for 7, no other batsman apart from Murrell (39) reaching double figures. Watford made a swashbuckling start, but Finlay Connah took two crucial wickets in a fiery spell to keep Preston in the game. Heavy rain arrived with Watford 53 for 3 from 13 overs, and when play resumed Watford’s innings had been reduced to 28 overs. Never-the-less, Watford still played expansive shots in pursuit of victory, but Pete Murrell ended their victory hopes taking 4 for 45 with his off-spin. The game ended in a draw with Watford 114 for 6.