CHORLEY boosted their prospects in both the Northern league title race and the Skipton Lancashire Cup with weekend victories at Netherfield and Morecambe.

Saturday's vital league win was a nail-biting affair with last man Keith Eccleshare hitting the winning runs with just one ball to spare.

After Netherfield had made 144-7 (Gordon Lee 3-25), Chorley slumped to 67-7 but a fine knock by Neil Senior (58 no) ably supported by late order batsmen Dave Catterall (17) and Neil Walmsley (19) set up Eccleshare's victory flourish. With St Annes held by Kendal, second placed Chorley closed the gap on the leaders to six points.

Yesterday Senior again starred as Chorley reached the quarter final of the county cup. Morecame were bowled out for 104, Rex Purnell's 3-25 including the first ball dismissal of professional Steve Pope, and Senior hit 44 and Gordon Lee 41no as Chorley reached 108-5.

Next Sunday's away game in the last 16 of the Abbot Ale Cup against Chesterfield will be played at nearby Staveley, as the Derbyshire club's own Queens Park ground is required for a county match. The supporters coach will leave Windsor Park at 10.30am. Seats can be booked by phoning the club on 01257 275096.

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