Chorley thwarted by late drama while Darwen lose by 2 wickets

1:10pm Monday 2nd June 2008

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A defiant last-wicket stand guided Lancaster through the final five overs at Windsor Park to thwart revitalised Chorley's bid for a fourth straight win in the Northern League.

Talented young opening bat Josh Tolley added another 76 to his two impressive unbeaten knocks of 84 and 72 over the Bank Holiday and he was strongly supported by fellow-opener Nigel Eastham with 41.

But a mid-innings collapse saw Chorley slip to 121 for 7 and it needed a fine 32 not out from veteran all-rounder Rex Purnell in a 60-runs partnership with Tolley to steer the home side to 187 for 9 at the end of their 50 overs.

After professional Friedel de Wet had struck early for Chorley, Lancaster offered spirited resistance.

Despite Purnell's spinners capturing three late wickets for 40 and De Wet (4 for 61) claiming his 30th wicket of the season, the visitors hung on to reach 163 for 9 at the close.

Chorley took 10 points for a winning draw which lifts them to fourth in the table.

Meanwhile, Darwen suffered a defeat by two wickets at the hands of Blackpool at Birch Hall.

Batting first, the hosts had Atif Ashraf (52) and John Cordingley (54) to thank as they posted a target of 196-8.

Opener Christopher Clarke (17) was the only other batsman to offer a glimpse of resistence to the attack.

Blackpool, on the other hand, batted right down the order to take the win.

Sajeewah Weerakoon, who had earlier taken three scalps, top scored with 49, before falling to Gareth Cordingley, who claimed three wickets.

Andrew Cook (2-22) had previously taken care of Luis Reece and Alex Smith.