CHORLEY CC share the leadership of the Northern League with Lancaster after taking a maximum 16 points from the first two games of the season.

On Saturday, Chorley defeated Fleetwood at Broadwater by 87 runs. Batting first Chorley reached 187-4, Roland Horridge making 48 and Nigel Heaton 46 not out. In reply Fleetwood were bowled out for 100 with Australian professional Ronny Davis capturing 4-22 and Keith Eccleshare 3-23.

Yesterday Chorley had a comprehensive victory at Tonge in the Abbot Ale Cup. Ross Demming (3-27) was Chorley's most successful bowler as the Bolton League side totalled 176-9. Following a delay at tea for rain, Chorley were set a reduced target of 144 for victory finishing on 147-1 with more than seven overs to spare.

Opener Neil Bannister contributed a polished 74 not out, ably supported by skipper Roland Horridge (62 not out).

Graeme Parkinson's 41 not out was not enough to keep Darwen's hopes alive at Lancaster in the Vaux Northern League.

Parkinson's 41 and a spirited 36 from professional Peter Skuse was the mainstay of the Darwen score (141-8). But Lancaster claimed the points, despite a 4-27 seven over spell from Gary Jackson.

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