CHORLEY'S hopes of lifting the Northern League title suffered a possibly fatal blow with this emphatic defeat at Windsor Park, Kendal.

Having been put in, Chorley struggled from the off against extremely hostile and accurate bowling, particularly by Kendal professional Kabbir Khan who finished with 6-35.

None of the Chorley batsmen reached 20 and the home side were not helped by two lengthy rain interruptions which gave Khan crucial rest time.

The Pakistani paceman bowled unchanged from one end and was well supported by Richard Ellwood who picked up 3-19 as Chorley were dismissed in 44 overs.

Needing quick wickets, Chorley got them courtesy of two fine catches by Rex Purnell to reduce Kendal to 13-2.

However, the dangerous Terry Hunte survived very confident appeals for both leg before and a catch at the wicket before embarking on a partnership of 64 with Simon Little to virtually settle the issue.

Chorley pro Josh Marquet finally trapped Hunte lbw for 38 but opener Little was unbeaten on 35 when the winning run was struck.