JOHN Huck broke Darwen hearts as the Towers hopes of claiming a Chorley Building Society Northern League win at Netherfield were left in tatters by the talented wicketkeeper batsman.

Jordan Clarke’s men seemed to be well on course for the victory as Neil Cordingley hit 53 to compliment 33 from his brother John and Darwen’s 156-7 was more than competitive on a green track in the Lake District.

And when Chris Wade sent back Netherfield skipper Marc Brown and home pro Colin Ackerman with just 15 on the board, hopes were even nigher.

But Huck had other ideas and set about the Darwen attack.

As Greg Hall dropped anchor at the other end, Huck clattered nine sixes and six fours and finished 107 not out as he took Netherfield past their target with two balls shy of 10 overs remaining.

The day wasn’t much better for Chorley as they went down to a heavy defeat at the hands of Morecambe at Windsor Park.

Batting first Chorley were all out for 136 with the final ball of their 50 overs.

Andrew Griffiths (21) and Will Moulton (19) made good runs at the top of the order but it took a late 19 from Billy Smith to really give Chorley something to defend on a tough day for the batsmen.

But Morecambe’s professional, former Burnley star Vishal Tripathi, was at his flowing best and made 89 to lead the Seasiders home with 17.5 overs remaining and seven wickets in hand.

In other games, Preston stunned last year’s champions Fleetwood while Nelson pro Ryan Canning made 39 for Kendal – but they were beaten at Barrow.