CRICKET: Darwen continued their scintillating start to the season achieving their fourth consecutive win with a comprehensive seven wicket victory over Leyland.

Despite the loss of two early wickets, Leyland recovered well led by professional Neil Rimmer (51) until he was spectacularly caught on the boundary by Gareth Cordingley off the bowling of Darwen pro Richard Petrie who ripped through the Leyland middle order finishing with 4-38, well supported by Andrew Mercer (3-46) as the visitors reached 157-9 off 50 overs.

In reply the Birch Hall side lost two early wickets, but a superb stand of 110 between Graham Ainslie (49) and an unbeaten 73 from Petrie, who is looking an excellent acquisition as paid man this season, saw Darwen to victory with nine overs to spare and early league leaders.

Jim Fazackerley continued his red-hot form with 92 as Chorley rattled up 221-7 at St Annes.

But Nigel Heaton's men had to settle for a winning draw as St Annes professional David Callaghan hammered a sparkling 112 to take his side within two runs of victory at the death as they finished on 220-7.

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