CHORLEY recorded only their second Northern Premier League victory of the season in defeating Preston by five wickets at Windsor Park.

Their success owed much to a determined unbroken sixth-wicket partnership of 65 by their two senior players, Neil Senior (41 not out) and acting-captain Nigel Heaton who played the anchor-role with an unbeaten 19.

Preston had been bowled out for just 108, Chorley professional Stephen John taking 3 for 24 from 15 overs and teenager Bill Smith capturing 3 for 26.

The visitors' professional Ravi Akbar was struck on the toe while batting and did not bowl in the Chorley innings, which susbsided to a perilous 45 for 5 before Heaton and Senior launched their recovery operation, Senior hitting eight 4s and a six in his match-winning knock.

In an exciting finish to yesterday's Northern Premier League Cup match at Kendal, Chorley failed by just four runs to overhaul the home side's total of 202 for 8, which featured a typically pugnacious 78 from Terry Hunte.

A fine stand of 99 between Heaton (54) and professional John (52) took Chorley to a healthy 150 for 3 in reply but wickets then tumbled before a partial recovery left the side requiring five from the last over on 198 for 8.

But their victory hopes perished with the last wicket going to a needless run-out.