Darwen on song to stun league leaders (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Darwen on song to stun league leaders

3:50pm Monday 13th August 2012 in Sport

SUPERB Darwen ripped up the Northern League formbook and stunned league leaders Fleetwood as they turned on the style to claim a marvellous win at Broadwater.

John Cordindley’s men have misfired often this season but they hit their straps from the off to upset Mat Clarke’s title hunters thanks to a fine all-round display.

The leaders got off to a good start after winning the toss and choosing to bat with Mike Clinning (46) and Adam Parker (29) going well before spin twins Shaun De Kock and Tim Le Breton sent them back to the pavilion.

That pair proved to be the difference with professional De Kock claiming 4-37 from 20 overs, while Le Breton picked up 3-67 as Fleetwood were all out for 160 with 10 balls of their 50 overs remaining Darwen were confident of chasing down that total – but their hopes were dealt a blow when Niall Burke went for a duck.

But De Kock, pictured, was in form with the bat as he followed up his bowling feats with 68, while Scott Jackson also stepped up to the mark as he made his highest score of 63.

Neither man could see the job through to its conclusion as Fleetwood tried to fight back and Cordingley and Chris Wade also went cheaply but Le Breton and Gareth Cordingley eased the Towers over the line with more than five overs to spare.

Chorley suffered misery at Winsdsor Park as they were beaten by Carnforth.

All looked well for the locals when Iain Critchley and Chris Harty shone with the ball. Critchley claimed 4-8 and Harty 4-59 as Carnforth were rolled out for 147 with only Ryan Nelson (76) adding any real purpose.

But Chorley’s batting failed spectacularly and despite 30 from Will Moulton they were knocked over for just 109 with Carnforth pro Toby Bulcock claiming four wickets.