IT was a family affair at Leyland Motors on Saturday.

First Darwen's opener Gary Jackson scored a stunning century, then, as Motors' reply was faltering on 45-6, father and son duo David and Andrew Makinson put on 50 to thwart Darwen's efforts to take maximum points.

Darwen declared on 240-6 in the first innings as Jackson and Semple put on 134 for the second wicket before Semple fell for 50 - the first of Aspinwall's five victims - with the score on 160.

Jackson went on to score 104 before he fell in the 51st over. The diminutive opener took only 111 balls to score his maiden senior league century, and it included 11 fours that rocketed to all parts of the ground.

Lowe (20) and Mercer, who hit 24 from just 11 balls, ensured the Darwen total well beyond Motors' reach.

It was soon backs to the wall as Motors lost both openers in quick succession for only 12 before Baines and Ashraf settled in to take the score to 33 before a superb run out by Grant accounted for Baines. Jeff Hacking snapped up two wickets in his first over as three Motors' wickets fell with the score on 45 to leave them facing certain defeat with 33 overs remaining.

This brought the Makinson's together and they took the score to 97 before Andrew fell to John Cordingley for a fine 24.

David went on to make an undefeated 56 as he and Iddon (2) and Lillee (12 not out) resisted every trick tried by Darwen captain Lowe to secure the 15 point victory.

The 10 points Darwen took from the game were sufficient to ensure Darwen remain at the top of the league although Morecambe have narrowed the gap to just two points.

Jackson was delighted with his century.

"I've waited a long time for that innings to come around and it was great to be able to do it as my parents were celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary," he said.

"I just hope it's not another 50 years before I do it again!"

Darwen captain Chris Lowe added: "Gary is having a great season.

"He's our most consistent batsman and there were a lot of our supporters over at Leyland to give him the standing ovation his innings deserved.

"You've also got to give credit to their captain Dave Makinson, he must have batted for 33 overs and did everything he could to take the heat off his tail enders'.

"I'm pleased we got the 10 points but the 15 would have been better."