RAIN got the better of Darwen over the weekend as their top of the table clash with Netherfield was called off without a ball being bowled, while on Sunday they lost the crucial toss and ultimately the game in a 29 over game at Settle in the Thwaites Lancashire Cup.

Settle's decision to field paid early dividends as Darwen were reduced to 9-2 from 6 overs.

John Cordingley's was the first wicket to fall as the result of a bizarre run out following a collision with his partner Grant.

Keith Semple then enjoyed partnerships of 32 with Gareth Cordingley (14) and 48 with Hacking (22) to take the score to 90 with five overs remaining.

At this point Settle's Hornby took three wickets in one over including Semple for 41 to ruin any hopes Darwen had of setting a competitive target.

The innings then petered out and only a late 11 from Jackson helped to take the final score to 115.

Settle struggled to score runs in reply as Semple, Mercer and Hacking bowled a very tight line and Stafford was well caught as he tried to break Darwen's grip on the game.

Professional Morris and Hornby then added 48 before a flurry of wickets saw settle reduced to 64-4 with nine overs left.

This brought Verdan to the crease and he smashed an undefeated 53, including six sixes, from just 23 balls to ensure Settle romped home with four overs to spare.