DARWEN lost a thrilling encounter with Leyland Motors off the penultimate ball in their latest NPL Thwaite's 20-20 Cup match.

Darwen batted first and were soon reeling on 22 for three as Shackleton and Makinson made early in roads.

However, Neil Cordingley then hit a majestic 95 not out, sharing invaluable partnerships of 33 with Grant (22) and 88 with Mercer (34).

The Darwen innings closed on 187-8 with Shackleton being the pick of the Motors bowlers taking three for 31 from his four overs.

Motors raced to 60 before Horsfield had professional Ashraf stumped by Lowe for 29. Patel and Cummings then put on a brisk 41 before Patel also fell to Horsfield for 40.

Cummings and Makinson took Motors to the brink of victory adding 55 before Cummings fell to a fine catch by John Cordingley off Mercer's bowling and Makinson soon followed for 30.

This left Motors requiring 25 from 21 balls. Young batsmen Watkinson added 7 and it was left to Karl Cross to hit the winning boundary with just one ball to spare.

Darwen will now look to bounce back as they take on local rivals Chorley in the final match in the round robin stage of a competition that has left the spectators breathless.