STRUGGLING St Annes, with only one win to their name this season, took to the hills for their game at Darwen at the weekend -- and found they had a mountain to climb.

The rain had put paid to some of the Northern Premier League fixtures -- including Blackpool's match at Stanley Park with Leyland -- but a shortened overs game was possible at Darwen.

St Annes batted first and gave a debut to King Edward schoolboy Jack Kelliher along with Adrian Darlington. But there was to be no "dream" opening for Jack, who last year captained England's Under-15 side.

Both openers were back in the pavilion with only 11 on the board. Stephen Twist and professional Geoff Love steadied the ship and staged a 50 partnership for the third wicket, Love going for 27.

Twist then lost five partners in quick succession and carried his bat with a fine 72 not out. Cordingley did most of the damage for Darwen with figures of three for 24. The St Annes innings closed at 136 for 8.

Winder and Davies bowled positively for St Annes and trapped both openers lbw very cheaply before Cordingley and Lowe came to the crease to ease Darwen to a comfortable victory for the loss of only four wickets.

Fleetwood, meanwhile, took on bottom side Preston and coasted to 200 for 8, their best score of the season so far. Professional Gulam Bodi was the top scorer with 54.

In reply Preston had no answer to the bowling of David Fish and Bodi and were all out for 114, although pro Raouf Akbar scored a defiant 49. Fish finished with five for 26 -- his best ever senior figures -- while Bodi had three for 26.

Blackpool are due to play their Lancashire Cup game at Westhoughton tomorrow (June 14) evening after rain ruled out play on Sunday. The match is due to begin at 5pm.