A DESPERATELY poor batting effort consigned Chorley to defeat against lowly Barrow in the Northern Premier League on Saturday.

The day started well when Chorley won the toss and were soon among the wickets when Barrow were reduced to 71-6 - and 63 of those had come from paid man Rawl Lewis!

But a seventh wicket stand of 72 between Bamber and Mowat revived the innings and Barrow recovered to 144-9.

Chorley professional Stephen John claimed 6-27 off just 22 overs.

The first four Chorley batsmen then all departed to lbw decisions and only opener Nicky Woods, with a grafting 42, kept them in it.

Paul Greenwood, with 12, was the only other batsman in double figures as they slumped to 98 all out in their final home fixture.

It was a different story for Darwen as they racked up a total of 247-3 to go third and improve their chances of qualifying for next year's Lancashire Cup.

Professional Keith Semple hit 93 not out against Lancaster, who struggled to 91-8 in their innings.

Darwen and Chorley were due to meet at Birch Hall this afternoon for a league derby.