Chorley did Darwen a favour as they beat Leyland to send the Towers through to the Jamie Heywood Twenty20 finals day.

With Darwen inactive after completing their programme, Leyland had to beat Chorley - and they knew they had to score 153 in order to pip John Cordingley’s men to the place in the last four at either Morecambe or Carnforth on July 17.

But Leyland’s plans were in disarray as Will Moulton claimed 4-24 and Matthew Critchley 3-32 as the visitors were rolled out for 107.

Darwen were through at that point – and they finished clear at the top of their group as Chorley roared home with Gaurav Dhar clattering 54 not out and fellow opener Alex Weetman finishing unbeaten on 40.

Darwen will play Blackpool in the second semi-final on Finals Day, while Kendal await their opponents in the first semi-final.

That game will see either Morecambe or Carnforth winning through and the finals day will be at either Woodhill Lane or Lodge Quarry.

Morecambe are favourites to go through to host the big day and need to win one of their two games this week.