DARWEN go into their final game of the season against Netherfield at Birch Hall tomorrow, still in with a chance of their first Vaux Northern League title for 12 years.

And, whatever the outcome of their two-horse race with St Annes, Darwen are assured a top-two finish and can reflect on a tremendous campaign.

They stand just two points adrift of new leaders St Annes as they prepare to tackle third-placed Netherfield.

With St Annes away to Blackpool, the issue is still wide open - and the Northern League's complex points system underlines that.

Both teams could win and Darwen could still take the championship after leading all the way until last weekend.

For example, a team batting first and winning can claim a maximum of 15 points, while a side batting second can pick up a total of only 12 points!

Draws for both contenders could also see Darwen emerge successful, depending on bonus points. If it is a tie at the top, the men from Birch Hall would be crowned champions by virtue of having won more games.

St Annes, however, know that if they take the full 15 points at Blackpool it will not make any difference what happens at Birch Hall. "It means it is still wide open," said Darwen chairman Peter Lamster.

"But there is no doubt that we have the more difficult game, as Netherfield are in form at the moment and their professional Geoff Foley had two centuries last weekend.

"We know we have to go all out for a win but, whatever happens, we have had a fantastic season. If it doesn't work out, we might well look back on two weekends when we were rained off and St Annes managed to play both times. But that's cricket."

Darwen make just one change, with Graeme Parkinson unavailable and Chris Bolton deputising.

Already sure to finish fourth in the Northern League and guaranteed their place in next season's Lancashire Cup, Chorley complete their programme with a visit to Kendal.

Opening batsman Neil Bannister is again likely to be an absentee after picking up a hand injury last weekend.

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