BLACKPOOL made 114-7, thanks to a half century by opener Robin Bracewell, to deny Darwen their 12th Vaux Northern League Division One win of the season in a rain-affected game at Stanley Park on Saturday (August 14).

Darwen could manage only 107-6 and had to settle for a draw and just two points which enabled St Annes to draw level with them at the top of the table.

Blackpool were soon in troubled waters at 31-5, despite Bracwell's occupation of the wicket, and it was 50-6 before Bracewell and Sharp embarked on the most productive partnership of the innings.

The pair added 39 runs before Sharp, 21, gave Mercer his third wicket when he was bowled.

Bracewell finished the innings with a majestic pulled six taking him to 54 off 103.

But it was never going to be easy for Darwen to overhaul the Blackpool total. Graham Ainslie 12, was caught behind by Kevin Hoggarth off Sharp at 20, Chris Lowe, 11 including one boundary, was bowled by Sharp who soon after side-footed the ball on to the stumps to run out Gareth Cordingley for six.

Neil Cordingley also made six before he was bowled by Sharp and Darwen were 57-4.

With 65 required from the final ten overs Petrie called for a second and with Parkinson not responding the latter was run out for 11 with the total on 93. Darwen finished seven runs short of the Blackpool total.

Blackpool's five points moved the club into fifth place.

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