DARWEN clinched the Northern League championship for the first time since 1987 as they beat Netherfield by eight wickets and rivals St Anne's saw their hopes washed away by the rain.

Fittingly professional Richard Petrie hit the winning runs to follow on from a hat-trick as he capped a superb season for the Birch Hall club. Petrie, who finished unbeaten on 64, was quick to praise the contribution of Gareth Cordingley, who made 78 as Darwen made the 187 they needed to lift the championship.

And the New Zealander was adamant that Darwen had deserved their triumph.

"Definitely," he said. "We have still played one less game than St Anne's.

"It's been a magical season throughout."

Due to rain Netherfield were limited to 40 overs but still managed to reach 186 for the loss of six wickets despite a memorable hat-trick for Petrie, whose first victim was fellow professional Geoff Foley.

Star for the visitors was Cumbrian County player Simon Dutton who hit a superb 89 including 15 fours. Darwen were left with a mountain to climb as they were limited to only 32 overs to reach their target and despite the early loss of Graham Ainslie his opening partner Cordingly destroyed the Netherfield attack with an innings of awesome power as he smashed 78 including eight fours and three sixes before he was run out with the total on 123.

News had by now filtered through that St Annes over at Blackpool had been abandoned and the large crowd knew victory for Darwen would bring the title to Birch Hall.

In mounting excitement Petrie, who had played a supporting role to Cordingley, took command and his 64 included six fours and two sixes.

He received excellent support from Neil Cordingley (26 not out) as the championship was won with two overs to spare.

Rain ended play early at Kendal's Shap Road ground with Chorley chasing a modest 125 for victory. The home side had collapsed from 99-2 to 124 all out with leg spinner Keith Eccleshare's taking 5-25. Chorley lost three wickets in a chase to beat the rain, ending on 63-4.

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