Mixed fortunes

A fine four wicket victory over Preston on Saturday kept them clear at the top of the Northern League, but then Sunday saw them suffer a comprehensive six wicket defeat at the hands of Morecambe in the Thwaite's Cup semi-final.

After Preston chose to bat on Saturday, tight bowling from Semple and Mercer restricted them to 26 from the first 12 overs with Semple claiming the early wicket of Bavla.

Solid batting from McDonald (25), Shah (42) and Akbar(35) in the middle of the innings saw the score moved onto 104 from 41 overs. Semple's return to the attack saw him claim 3 further wickets.

Mercer also chipped with two wickets as the Preston innings finished on 167-8.

Darwen's reply was led by Hadfield and Jackson who put on 28 for the first wicket before both fell in quick succession.

Darwen's professional Semple then set about building the bedrock of the Darwen reply as he scored 68 not out to see Darwen home with four balls to spare. John Cordingley made a useful 28.

At Morecambe on Sunday Darwen batted first and reached an impressive 191 for the loss of just four wickets.

The Darwen total was built around a fine partnership of 123 between Gareth Cordingley and Captain Lowe. Cordingley hit 55 before falling to Power, while Lowe went on to make 87 before he fell in the final over, trapped leg before by Bird. He had hit six fours and a six and faced 119 balls. However, Thornton saw Morecambe home with 21 balls to spare as he finished on 42 not out, a score that included three massive sixes.