DARWEN BEAT LEYLAND
The South 2 group is wide open after Leyland lost by five wickets to Darwen at Birch Hall.
Leyland have finished their fixtures with two wins and a run rate of 7.32.
Chorley have won two games (run rate 7.70) and T20 holders Darwen one (run rate 6.03).
The final group game is between Chorley and Darwen at Windsor Park on Friday 11 July.
A win for Chorley will guarantee their place in the final. If Darwen win the group will be decided on run rate, though Chorley are favourites with their superior run rate so far.
Leyland's innings never really got going as Darwen's out-cricket was excellent.
Openers Karl Cross and Chris Parkinson put on 40 before both departed in quick succession.
Leyland pro Ameer Khan was victim of a stumping by Jordan Clarke off Darwen pro Atif Ashraf.
Jordan Clarke completes the stumping of Leyland pro Ameer Khan |
Peter Cummings was the danger-man, hitting four fours and two sixes in a blistering 34 until he was caught by Kamran Anwar in the deep off Ashraf.
Peter Cummings had a fine alround display |
Leyland's last ten overs yielded a disappointing 61 after they had looked reasonably placed at 60 for 2 at the halfway point.
Darwen conduct a mid-wicket team talk after Leyland's Andrew Makinson was bowled |
Opener John Cordingley anchored the Darwen reply with a superb 71 not out, hitting four fours and two sixes.
John Cordingley anchored Darwen's reply with a superb 71 not out |
Cordingley finished the match in the grand manner with a six over long on in the penultimate over.
Cummings completed a fine all-round match by being Leyland's best bowler, taking 3 for 12 including the prize wicket of Ashraf who was caught by skipper Dave Makinson at mid off.
Darwen's biggest threat was the weather but despite playing most of their innings in heavy drizzle the match was completed at 8:43pm.
