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Darwen began the crucial last four games of the title tun-in with an impressive victory against Leyland DAF to maintain their nine point lead at the top of the Northern League.

Darwen's opening attack of professional Richard Petrie and Andrew Mercer soon reduced DAF to 49-4 with Mercer in particular in devastating form, clean bowling the first three in DAF's batting order. Despite some middle order resistance, Gareth Cordingley claimed three more wickets in a fine spell as DAF reached 148-8.

In reply, Darwen set off at a blistering pace with Graham Ainslie smashing 47 from 51 balls including seven fours and a six before the Birch Hall side were rocked with the loss of three wickets in quick succession. At 76-3 caution was needed and sensible batting from Petrie and Graham Parkinson in an unbeaten stand of 73 saw Darwen home and still unbeaten with three games remaining.

Chorley comprehensively defeated Leyland by nine wickets at Windsor Park on Saturday in the Northern League but were cruelly denied by rain at Morecambe yesterday after bowling themselves into a strong position in the Vaux Bitter Cup final.

Leyland were dismissed for 119, despite solid resistance from opener Ian McDonnell, who made 57. Veteran spinner Keith Eccleshare bowled superbly to take 6-35.

After the early loss of Russell Cake, run out by a brilliant piece of fielding, Chorley cruised to victory in under 27 overs, Neil Bannister finishing on 53 not out and Roland Horridge batting quite majestically with eight fours in his unbeaten 50.

In the Vaux Bitter final Chorley bowled and fielded excellently to restrict Morecambe to 131-9 from their 40 overs, of which professional Ashwell Prince made an invaluable 69. But Chorley had received just one over and made 1-0 when heavy rain ended play. The final will be replayed next Sunday. Chorley 120-1