CHORLEY’S struggles continued as they lost their fifth Northern Premier League game of the season on Saturday as high flying Netherfield claimed maximum points from their visit to Windsor Park.

On a gorgeous afternoon the Cumbrians won the toss and chose to bat first and were put on the back foot when Ben Haddrick was caught by Iain Critchley off the bowling of Chris Harty fgor eight.

But that early breakthough wasn’t followed up as Netherfield produced a solid if unspectacular effort with the bat.

Professional Cobus Pienaar top scored with 47 from 81 deliveries, while Chris Williams made an slightly quicker 45 and there were handy contributions from John Huck (29) and Chris Parry (21 not out) as Netherield managed to post 193-6 from their 50 overs. Gaurav Dhar was the most successful bowler as he claimed 3-67 from 13 overs Jack Bentham fell for eight as Chorley replied and the locals were in a spot of bother when both Will Moulton and Iain Crtichley went cheaply leg before to John Mason.

Dhar made 21 before becoming another leg before victim and Michael Critchley was also trapped as the Chorley middle order slumped.

Alex Weetman restored some parity with an unbeaten 46 and Harty hit 15 batting at number 11 - but the locals were 145 all out in the 42nd over.

Darwen drew their game at Leyland after the home side posted 222-5 from their 50 overs.

The talented Henry Thompson top scored for the home side at Fox Lane as he carried his bat for 89, while there were also solid contributions from Adam Coates (48) and Daniel Lamb (45).

Darwen’s reply began disatrously as Danny Fradd was caught by Aklex Williams off Andrew Makinson from his second ball, while Alex Davies went for just 11.

But professional Shaun De Kock made a patient 135-ball 73, while skipper John Cordingley looked good on his way to 35 as the Towers chased victory.

Neil Cordingley hit 30 and John Anderton was 23 not out from just 14 balls - but in the end they ran out of overs and closed on 202-6.

Elsewhere Barrow stayed out in front at the summit as they hammered the leaguy’s bottom side Lancaster at the Ernest Pass Memorial Ground and Morecambe professional Umar Amin scored a century as his side beat stuttering reigning champions St Annes.

Former Nelson professional Terry Hunte rolled back the years for Kendal as they drew with Preston.

The West Indian made a glorious 88 not out and professional Jamie How a majestic 112 as the Cumbrians posted 248-4 before Preston dug in the for draw with nine wickets down.

Fleetwood’s good run continued as they beat Blackpool by 20 runs despite being bowled out for 116.