NEWLY installed Darwen skipper Chris Lowe admits he's got a tough act to follow as he steps into the shoes of two Birch Hall legends.

Lowe not only has the unenviable task of taking over from Jeff Hacking, arguably the most successful captain in the club's history, but he will also attempt to fill the void left by long-serving wicketkeeper Graeme Parkinson.

Hacking has relinquished his captaincy duties after leading the club to two separate Northern Premier League championships during his four-year rein.

He will stay on as a player and has vowed to offer Lowe any advice and support he needs in his new role.

But Parkinson, a veteran of three title triumphs during the last two decades, has decided to step down altogether, leaving Lowe to perform a dual role this summer as Darwen prepare to defend their crown.

"They're going to be a hard act to follow," said Lowe.

"But we've still got virtually the same team as we had last year and Jeff will be there to offer me advice whenever I need it."

Darwen romped to the title last season thanks in no small part to Andrew Mercer and Gareth Cordingley.

Mercer smashed the club's amateur bowling record by claiming 79 victims, beating the previous mark of 69. And Cordingley would have joined him in the history books after amassing 804 runs with the bat going into the final day of the season, only to see their last game against Kendal washed out, leaving him five short of the club's amateur batting mark.

Kendal provide the opposition again tomorrow, and Lowe is hoping to have Mercer back to spearhead his attack after the talented youngster has dashed back from a successful spell in New Zealand.

Lowe, who plans to include promising young batsman Stuart Grant in his first team plans, has also set his sights on cup glory as the Birch Hall club attempt to compete for honours on several fronts.

West Indian Keith Semple will continue in his role as professional after agreeing to return for a fourth season.

Former Darwen skipper Alan Bolton has died following a two-year fight against Alzheimers.

Bolton led the club to the Northern League title in 1966 before he moved on to Lancashire.