Darwen saw there hopes of an unpresidented quadruple dashed as the slumped to a dissapointing defeat at the hands of lowly Leyland Motors.

After winning the toss and electing to bat Motors where soon in trouble at 35 for 5 with Keith Semple removing four of the top six batters.

Motors then recovered well and reached 115 for 6 and some spirited late order batting by Richardson (40) ment Motors were eventually bowled out for 160 in the final over.

Keith Semple took 4 for 36 and Andrew Mercer 3 for 36.

Darwen's reply started slowly and Professional Imran Ali was needless run out with the score on 17.

Motors Spinners Makinson and Khan then took control and Darwen were soon in trouble at 67 for 7.

Good parnerships meant that Darwen got insight of an unlikely victory, but they fell some 26 runs short with Captain Mercer Finishing on a fine 41 not out.

With only 3 games remaining it now looks increasingly unlikely that Darwen win overtake leaders Morecambe for the Northern league crown.