Bumper crowd expected for Chorley's Twenty/20 Cup clash

9:06am Wednesday 9th July 2008

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Chorley could secure a place in the Northern Premier League Twenty/20 Cup finals day by beating Darwen in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd at Windsor Park on Friday.

A swashbuckling century from in-form opening batsman Josh Tolley set up a 36 run victory over Leyland in last week's group stage match.

Tolley, who had previously notched six successive half centuries for the club in league games, hit 101 off only 64 balls including four sixes and 11 fours in Chorley's total of 186 for 5.

Leyland were bowled out for 150 in reply, Sam Sweeney the star bowler with figures of four for four late in the innings.

It was Chorley's second win in the competition while reigning champions Darwen have won one match. A win for Chorley over Darwen in the last group stage game will ensure they go through to the finals day, to be held at Stanley Park, Blackpool, and they could still go through even if they get beat as they have a far superior run rate.

Chorley will also be in cup action on Sunday when they take on Preston at West Cliff in the League Cup quarter-final.

Chorley beat Fleetwood in the first round 3-1 in a bowl-out last Sunday after heavy rain had led to the match at Broadwater being abandoned without a ball being bowled. Inbetween the two cup matches Chorley will be in league action at Carnforth who are currently one place below them in the table.

A rain affected match at Windsor Park last Saturday helped Chorley hang on for a draw against table toppers Leyland. Leyland pro Ameer Khan scored 102 not out and Andrew Makinson a half century as the visitors posted an impressive total in 42 overs.

Chorley, who were without star batsman Josh Tolley who was on holiday, never looked like getting close to Leyland’s total but managed to hang on for a draw, finishing on 115-7. Leyland still top the table by four points from Blackpool while Chorley are in sixth place.

l Chorley Second XI remain top of Division Two, 12 points clear of Blackpool, after a 42 run win at Leyland when they dismissed the home side for just 61 with Jim Lee claiming five wickets for 14. They will face Preston at home on Sunday in a Division Two League Cup second round tie.