DARWEN secured a well-earned 15 points in the Northern Premier League on Saturday thanks to an amazing final-over victory at Fleetwood.

Darwen were looking to restore some pride following last week's double defeat and decided to bat first on a good wicket. Hadfield and Jackson added 76 for the first wicket before Jackson fell to Laird for 18 and Hadfield to Newman for a fine 59.

This brought together Semple and Gareth Cordingley and the pair added 137 runs in just 26 overs. Semple made 76 before he was bowled by Newman. His innings had included nine fours, while Cordingley went on to make an undefeated 75 including ten fours and one massive six from only 82 balls.

The pair had helped to take the final score to 247 in one of the best batting displays of the season.

The Fleetwood innings got off to a solid start with Wright and Dewhurst putting on 54 before Hacking took his first wicket having Dewhurst caught by Semple. The Fleetwood innings continued to make steady progress as they reached 156 for three with a further 24 overs remaining when captain Jeff Hacking brought himself back on for a devastating spell of bowling which was to ultimately lead Darwen to victory.

In his next 13 overs he took five wickets for just 31 runs. Fleetwood tried desperately to hang on for the draw as he had Buschini caught by Bolton for five in his second to last over and with the fourth ball of the final over he bowled Hill for naught which sent the Darwen travelling supporters home ecstatic.

Gareth Cordingley and Semple took two wickets each as they played an effective supporting role.

Darwen seconds were held to a disappointing draw to Fleetwood. Chasing a massive 210 their innings petered out on 202 for six falling just nine runs short of a victory they deserved. There were telling contributions from Beesley (71), Grant (39) and Painter (35) as they set about reaching the target.