CLASSY Darwen made it two wins from two in the Northern League but neighbours Chorley were brought back down to earth after their opening day win as they felt the force of Barrow.

Darwen welcomed St Annes to Birch Hall and were on song from the off to dominate their seaside visitors thanks to another assured bowling display.

Only Lukman Vahaluwala (26) and former Accrington and Rawtenstall ace Toby Bulcock (25) offered any real resistance as the Towers attack was impressive.

Chris Wade led the way with 5-25, while professional George Linde once again shone to return 3-17 from 15.2 overs and St Annes were 99 all out.

With an attack that includes the always impressive spin of Bulcock the accurate medium pace of Vahaluwala, Darwen needed a good start and they got just that thanks to opener Ammer Mirza, whose early season form continued with 39.

Scott Jackson chipped in with 17 at the top of the order but Darwen suffered a mid-innings wobble.

However, John Cordingley saw them over the line with plenty to spare as he made 39 not out.

Graham Dawson was a pain for Chorley as they made the long trip to Barrow as he was the difference with both bat and ball.

Barrow were on the back foot at 86-5 but Dawson changed all that with a 63-ball 69 to give the home side momentum at Abbey Road.

They closed on 190-8 with Kieran McCullagh and Guarav Dhar both claiming three wickets.

Chorley’s reply was a disaster as they collapsed to 6-4 before professional Mohammed Jamal gave them hope with 50.

Dhar hit 26 and skipper Andy Holdsworth 23 but they were 117 all out with Dawson returning 5-13 from 12.2 overs.

Elsewhere there were wins for Leyland, Kendal and Fleetwood, while the Penrith v Morecambe game was abandoned after heavy rain in the North.