LEEK sank to the bottom of the Premier Division after struggling to chase high-flying Little Stoke's 164 on a sodden Highfield.

Thirteen-year-old leg spinner Tom Steele caused a sensation when he was introduced and took the scalp of Staffordshire batsman Dan Hancock in his first over.

Steele continued his excellent spell, knocking over the stumps of Jack Phillips and Josh Lowndes to record first team debut figures of 3-25.

But by the time the youngster had the opportunity to turn his arm over, Little Stoke had already posted 120 and seemed to have the points in the bag.

Openers John Hancock (39) and Richard Adams (61) put the visitors firmly in control with brave innings which defied the wicked bounce on an extremely difficult pitch.

And Richard Harvey (13), George Cairns (21) and Gareth Morris helped set Jamie Cullerton's side an imposing target.

A stubborn innings from Rob Haydon (23) and 23 from professional Kevin Stoute on his final outing for Leek gave the home side hope.

But at the other end Alex Mellor (0) and a first ball duck for Alex Thompson kept Little Stoke in charge. Dan Colclough cranked up the pressure with figures of 5-45.

Cullerton said: "It was a difficult wicket which was wet at one end but still we fancied our chances.

"However, in conditions like that you rely on your professional to post a big score and as soon as Kevin got out it was always against us."

Joel Bayley, aged 15, upped the tempo with five boundaries in his assured 40, but when he was caught and bowled by Dan Hancock, the middle order collapsed.

Neal Lafford (2) was caught by Cairns off the bowling of Morris and Colclough dismissed Richard Cooper (0) before he took the wicket of Cullerton (0) stumped, running down the track.

Matt Bowcock dug in for 32 deliveries, but his knock of 13 failed to guide the strugglers anywhere near the Little Stoke target and Steele (2no) was left last man standing with the total on 117.

Cullerton said: "There are definitely positives to be taken from the match.

"The way Tom bowled as a 13-year-old was phenomenal and young Joel Bayley batted terrifically well in difficult circumstances.

"But the main positive we want is a win and that is proving to be particularly elusive at the moment."

This Saturday, Leek travel to Burslem and, with stand-in professional slow left-armer Robin Petersen, Cullerton is targeting a victory.

He said: "There will be a good selection of slow bowlers on Saturday which means we should get through the overs quickly and build up pressure.

"We are not panicking. I have been in the situation before and know what is required.

"From the next two games, against Burslem and Moddershall, we will be targeting two wins."