NEW skipper Jordan Clarke believes his Darwen charges will get a real measure of where they stand in the Chorley Building Society Northen League pecking order tomorrow as they bid to bounce back from first day disappointment.

Clarke, who has replaced John Cordingley at the Birch Hall helm, were left frustrated on the opening day as Lancaster claimed the majority of the spoils in a draw.

But Clarke believes the Towers would have won that game had it not been for Bombers sub-pro Pieter Malan – and is now aiming to get off the mark at Netherfield.

“It’s always a really good test up there,” said Clarke ahead of the trip to the Lake District.

“Netherfield are pretty much always there or thereabouts and I think we will see how we stand after that game.

“It was good to get back out on the field last weekend but hopefully tomorrow will be a better game for us.”

Ramsbottom paid man Malan was the scourge of Darwen last weekend as he made a majestic 122 out of 190 for his temporary side but even chasing a daunting target, the Towers were always in the hunt as long as their own sub-pro Clinton Perren was at the crease.

“If he had stayed there we would have won,” said Clarke.

“As it was we didn’t get over the line but it was an exceptional knock from Malan.”

Darwen are likely to field a sub-pro at Parkside Road as Alan Kruger had not arrived in the country last night and Clarke can’t wait for the South African to arrive.

“He will be a big boost because he is a seamer and that’s what we need,” added Clarke.

“Our batting looks pretty strong, especially with the three Cordingleys playing but like all clubs we can always do with an extra bowler.”

Bowling certainly wasn’t an issue for Chorley last week as they began in stunning style on their trip to the Lakes.

The Windsor Park outfit hammered Kendal thanks to a half-century from skipper Andy Holdsworth and eight wickets for professional Gaurav Dhar.

They play their first home game of the campaign tomorrow when Morecambe visit Windsor Park and that will be a test.

Former Burnley star Vishal Tripathi is Morecambe professional and like Chorley, the Woodhill Lane side harbour high hopes for 2013.

Elsewhere Nelson professional Ryan Canning deputises for Kendal as they go to Barrow, while Blackpool and St Annes meet at Stanley Park.

Lancaster host Leyland and Preston take on Leyland at West Cliffe in the day’s other game.