DARWEN had mixed success over the weekend, picking up their first win of the season only to be dumped out of the Lancashire Cup.

The Birch Hall side picked up their first Northern League win with a comfortable victory over Leyland, who they bowled out for 141.

Batting first, Leyland were bowled all out for 141 with professional Peter Skuse taking six wickets for 47 and Gary Jackson weighing in with four.

Darwen secured a much needed eight points thanks to Neil Cordingley's first Northern League half century when he finished unbeaten on 52.

Despite a sound batting display, Skuse (61), Jackson (80) and Gareth Cordingley (54), it proved not to be enough in the first round of the Lancashire Cup as hosts Clifton pipped them at the post in the penultimate over.

Darwen reached 220 for four but the Greater Manchester side reached their target for the loss of three wickets in a nail-biting finale.

On Saturday Darwen entertain Netherfield and travel to Leyland DAF on Sunday for the first round of the Samson Trophy.

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