DARWEN maintained their lead in the Vaux Northern League despite only picking up four points in a rain hit draw against Fleetwood.

Darwen made 125-9 with Gareth Cordingley (45) and Jeff Hacking (46) the only men in double figures.

Fleetwood were 31 for three in reply when the rain arrived.

Although there was more play at Netherfield's Parkside Road ground in Kendal than in any other Northern League match, the rain finally intervened, bringing Chorley a winning draw and five points to the home side's three.

After Chorley had lost two early wickets for six runs, skipper Nigel Heaton (35) led a spirited recovery with solid support from Neil Senior (32) and Rex Purnell (30). A late flourish from Australian professional Josh Marquet, who hit 25 from 19 balls, including two huge sixes, carried Chorley to 170 from their 50 overs.

Netherfield weathered a fiery opening spell from Marquet with Australian professional Geoff Foley compiling a composed 41 not out, though surviving a caught and bowled chance to Iqbal Patel who required hospital treatment for a broken thumb.

The league champions still needed 74 from 18 overs when the rain came to leave the match delicately poised.

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