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Darwen's top of the table clash with St Annes lived up to expectations as fortunes ebbed and flowed throughout the day and so nearly resulted in a sensational victory for the Birch Hall side.

St Annes batting first, started slowly in the face of fine Darwen bowling and some spectacular catching and were in trouble at 106-6. Darwen could not however, dislodge St Annes professional David Callaghan who hit an invaluable unbeaten 40 as the visitors reached 171-8 with Darwen's opening attack of Andrew Mercer and professional Richard Petrie again impressive.

Darwen's reply was disastrous as they slumped to 38-6 with some injudicious shots but those in the large crowd who left early missed a treat as Gareth Cordingley, despite an injured hand, turned the match round sharing in partnerships of 40 with Jeff Hacking and 71 with Graeme Parkinson (31 not out) as he scored 65 including three sixes and eight fours. When he was dismissed caught on the boundary. Darwen needed only 20 off three overs and were favourites, but had to settle for a draw and saw their lead at the top cut to three points.

Chorley returned to winning ways with an easy eight wickets victory at Preston. The home side struggled to a modest 127-8 from their 50 overs, pinned down by steady Chorley bowling with leg spinner Keith Eccleshare at one stage sending down five consecutive maiden overs.

In Chorley's reply opener Jim Fazackerley compiled a patient 60 not out, adding 88 for the second wicket with Michael Critchley (30).

Yesterday's National Knockout Cup regional final against Morecambe at Woodhill Lane was washed out without a ball being bowled.