LANCASHIRE star Luis Reece was the key player as his return of 7-42 saw Netherfield crash to a miserable 97 run defeat to Leyland at Parkside Road.

Leyland's South African overseas amateur Richardt Frenz top scored for his club as they made 201 all out before Reece ran riot to destroy Netherfield's usually reliable batting attack and send them back to the pavilion with just 104 runs on the board.

After winning the toss and putting Leyland in, Netherfield gained the early breakthrough when Reece was bowled for five off 11 balls by Ryan Wilson. Netherfield had the better of the early exchanges as Leyland were reduced to 83-4, with Wilson seeing off Karl Cross before Liam Dugdale claimed the wickets of Nathan McDonnell and Andrew Makinson.

However Frenz and Henry Thompson led the Leyland recovery with a fifth wicket stand of 70 as they pushed on to 153.

Netherfield managed to restrict the visitors charge, as Mark Clarkson claimed the wicket of Frenz (66) as he picked out Ben Barrow before Clarkson claimed his second wicket as he trapped Chris Parkinson LBW.

With Leyland now on 159-6, both Jake Peake and David Makinson fall to Dieter Klein before Nathan Chambers cleaned the innings up by taking the wicket of Henry Thompson for 51 before bowling Will Jacques for 1.

In Netherfield's reply a first wicket partnership of 31 between Barrow and Rick Potter saw the hosts get off to a good start.

However three quick wickets by Reece turned the tables in the visitors favour as Barrow, Marc Brown and Potter all fell as Netherfield struggled on 34-3.

Netherfield's troubles deepened as Brad Earl picked out Frenz off the bowling of Andrew Jacques before Reece finished his spell as he bowled Joe Atkinson and Clarkson, as well as trapping Klein LBW and seeing Liam Dugdale caught by Henry Thompson.

David Makinson finished the game off as Chambers picked out Nathan McDonnell beforeWilson's attempted drive for six was caught by Thompson.