DARWEN eased to a 123-run victory over neighbours Chorley in the Northern League on Saturday.

The home side batted first and got off to a fine start with openers Ammer Mirza and Scott Jackson both in the runs.

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Mirza made 71 before he was out lbw to Chris Harty while Jackson made 37 as the pair laid the foundations for a strong batting performance.

David Bowden and John Cordingley fell cheaply but Daniel Salpietro made a fine 58, while Jordan Clarke contributed 21 runs as the home side finished on 224-9 off their 50 overs.

Harty finished with 3-45 while James Lee and Brenton McDonald were also among the wickets for Chorley.

Any chance of an away success soon disappeared as Niall Burke ripped through the top order.

The Darwen ace finished with 5-28 off his 11 overs as Chorley struggled to build any momentum.

Brenton McDonald offered the most resistance as he made 45 before he was caught by Darius Ainslie off the bowling of John Cordingley for 45.

Cordingley finished with 2-1 off his 1.3 overs as Darwen bowled out the visitors for 101 inside 41 overs to take the maximum 15 points.

The result lifts Darwen up to second with 25 points, two points behind early leaders Fleetwood while Chorley are second bottom.