DARYN Smit and John Cordingley inspired Darwen to an eight wicket win over Kendal in the Northern League as they moved to within six points of the top.
Smit, borrowed from Lancashire League side Ramsbottom, took 6-28 to reduce the hosts to 110 all out with David Bowden and Neil Cordingley also among the wickets for the visitors.
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Despite losing openers Ammer Mirza and John Painter cheaply in reply to slum to 19-2, Cordingley made an unbeaten 59 while SMit added 36 not out to steer the Towers over the line as they finished on 111-2 off 34.2 overs.
The win lifted Darwen into second spot in the table although they have played a game more than leaders Morecambe.
Chorley lost ground at the top as they slipped to a heavy defeat at home to Blackpool.
The home side failed miserably with the bat as only Brenton McDonald managed double figures (11) as the hosts were dismissed for 39 inside 20 overs.
Richard Gleeson finished with 6-27 for the home side.
In reply, Keiran McCullagh took two quick wickets to give Chorley some pride but in the end Blackpool comfortably reached their target to secure an eight-wicket win inside 12 overs.
Elsewhere, there were wins for Barrow, Leyland, Morecambe and Penrith.
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