DARWEN slipped to a surprise defeat at rejuvenated Netherfield.

The Towers toiled in the field after putting their hosts in to bat who scored an impressive 244-5 from their 38 overs - and that after Neil Cordingley bowled Ben Barrow with just one run on the board.

Netherfield then lost captain Marc Brown for five - caught by Mark Friend off Cordingley - and were struggling at 23-2.

MORE TOP STORIES:

But they responded superbly and a superb 145 partnership between John Huck (87) and Bradley Earl (82no) took the game away from Darwen.

In reply, Mark Clarkson destroyed the Darwen batting attack finishing with stunning figures of 8-49 off his 14 overs.

Clarkson claimed openers Ammer Mirza (4) and Scott Jackson (0) before Khaya Zondo (38), Friend (23) and David Bowden (19) dug in.

But once they departed, Clarkson cleaned up as Darwen lost their last five wickets for 50 runs.

Chorley are up to second thanks largely to the batting feats of David Fisher and bowling exploits of Brenton McDonald.

Opener Fisher top scored with 70 in Chorley’s 191-7 total with Ian Dickinson (37) and McDonald (20) also doing their bit.

In reply, Alex Metcalfe (49) hung about for a bit but McDonald claimed the last six wickets as Lancaster were dismissed for 107.