LEYLAND DAF recorded their first win of the season, and it was surely worth waiting for when they beat the current league champions, Darwen by four wickets at Birch Hall.

They inflicted Darwen's first defeat of the season, which has probably ended Darwen's chance of retaining the championship because leaders Netherfield are 23 points clear.

Darwen elected to bat, which proved a disaster for captain Gareth Cordingley who saw his side rattled.

Apart from a second wicket partnership of 43 between Mark Bennett, and professional, Keith Semple, Darwen found runs difficult to accumulate.

The home side were reeling at 60-6 when Sifton Prince trapped Andy Mercer lbw for seven but the man who ripped the heart out of the Darwen innings was opening pace bowler, Iqbal Liley who recorded a career best of 5-36 from 17 overs. In a devastating spell he took three wickets in six balls which came in two consecutive overs. Keith Semple departed with the score on 114-8 and he was the backbone of the Darwen innings.

Leyland DAF were reduced to 32-4 but then Neil Dasgupta and Alan Richardson added 56 runs for the fifth wicket before Dasgupta was lbw to Chris Lowe for 31.

The opener batted 123 minutes, faced 110 balls and hit two fours. An unbroken seventh wicket partnership of 36 runs between Richardson, and his captain David Makinson saw DAF home to victory.

Richardson top scored with an undefeated 48. He batted 104 minutes, faced 87 balls and hit six fours.

Final score: Darwen 122 v Leyland DAF 125-6.

Leyland DAF return home to Sandy Lane this Saturday (August 12) to entertain league leaders Netherfield.