Fifteen From Fleetwood

The 2008 season finished on a high at Broadwater as the visiting Darwen team took the maximum 15 points from the wooden spoon club. The start was delayed by an hour due to a saturated outfield, which was nowhere near fit to play on. Fleetwood were not up for playing but most of the Darwen team were. Darwen were asked to bat first and after the early loss of Johnny, still batting on the beach of Dominica by the look of the shot, Jordan and professional Atif put on an excellent stand to take us close to a respectable total. Jordan highest score of 39 and Atif adjudged run out on 95 were the main contributors and there was some not so successful slogging in the lower order. An above par score on a difficult wicket was the thoughts as we tucked into the league best teas

Fleetwood however had different ideas and were riding their luck in between playing some good shots. It has to be said that the bowling was abysmal at best and the fielding ranked along side it. The same players that had said they wanted to play in unfit conditions were suddenly not bothered as the hosts were cruising to victory at 108-1.

The turning point in the game came when Parker was bowled round his legs by Anwar's slower one. Then came a procession of bad shots, good bowling and excellent catching/fielding. Cook after some persuasion took up the attack and soon removed '3 Dog' middle stump. Wilson was snaffled at gully by Atif, their 'pro' was caught by Clarkey at square leg, before next ball a snick was pouched by the number one first slip Cordingley snr, all off the emerging Kameron Anwar. Cooky soon got in on the act as Wayno was caugh a mid off, and another was LBW. Hammo like Roger Harper ran out the next batter, before it was left to captain Cook to finsh of the game and season in style by bowling Breakell.

So another season passes by, but this time no trophies. Not surprising really as nearly half the team deserted us last year. However there have been many plus points throughout the season as well as plenty to work on. Captain Cook took on a thankless task and did a wonderful job in the circumstances. Jordan continues to improve his keeping and batting with every game when he doesn't use head to stop the ball! Kammy is a massive talent and will have a great influence on future seasons with both bat and ball. Atif has been a prolific run scorer for us, sadly he will not be returning in 2009. Good luck and thanks Atif. Therefore the amateurs are going to have to deliver a bit more. Stuart Hampson, has exceeded expectations with the ball and provided comedy moments with his batting.

Winter well and get up for it in 2009!

Lancaster Bombers Grounded

Darwen went to a soggy Lune Road and were asked to bat first in what can only be described as one of the worst cricket wickets ever seen. However it managed to serve up an exciting game. An excellent opening partnership of 60 from Nathan Jackson and Jordan Clarke meant we had a solid foundation. But we did not take advantage of the fact in the face of some slow bowling that was turning square. In the end a total of 127 was competitive but not where we wanted to be.

A masterstroke of captaincy by Cooky meant he gave Atif the new ball and asked him to turn the ball square. Atif did as he was told and took 4 wickets with big spinning deliveries. He was ably supported by Stuart Hampson who bowled an immaculate line and length and was bowling pea-rollers on demand. The turning point of the game was a direct hit by Clarkey to send Stevens packing. Hammo did manage to injure Jordan who was smacked in the helmet to a wicked rising delivery and had to go off to hospital with an nasty cut just under his eye. With a proper keeper behind the stumps, brother Chris, the Darweners turned the screw and went onto collect the maximum 15 points and climb the league table.

Disgraceful Darwen

For the second time in 15 years Darwen slumped to an embarrasing defeat at the hands of local rivals Chorley. A combination of inept officialing and woeful batting ensured a season low of 87 was the posted score, which was surpassed with ease. Darwen were asked to bat on a slow wicket and were looking forward to the task ahead, some where more excited than others in the warm up, but this excitement soon turned into a rather limp display. First Johnnyboy was fired LBW. Jordan bowled by the chief songster of years gone by Rex Purnell. Atif looked to be batting well until he mistimed a smash to long off from McCullagh. Cordingley reached his milestone of 10000 runs, before promptly being given out once again. A procession of bad shots by the lower order meant that we could only muster a total of 87.

Chorley were never in any real trouble as we were not playing LBW's or run outs in the second innings and coasted to the total before the rain came to take 12 deserved points.

We have been thrashed on a handful of occassions this year but that made it twice against Chorley and this was simply not good enough.

Weather Helps Darwen Take 9

Captain Cook once again looked at the weather forecast and made what turned out to be an excellent decision to bat first at the hallowed turf. Despite the early loss of Jordan and John, bowled and plum LBW respectively, Darwen blocked their way in the face of some accurate bowling and a tricky wicket. Cordingley received some advice from Paul Edwards at the drinks break and was out next ball. Enter Christopher John Clarke, he batted the way we know he can do and hit 60 not out, more of the same please CJ. Atif played an excellent professional innings, before launching an onslaught eventually out for 92. An above par total of 184 was the final score and now over to the bowlers.

The opening bowlers just didn't feel right as Cook and Anwar "The No-Ball King" Jnr failed to make the breakthrough. Hampson, rejuvenated after extensive coaching during the week soon removed the cocky youngster Livingstone, before Cordingley removed Miles with his first delivery. Professional Wanasinghe was still at the creas when the rain came with Barrow needing 80 off 20 overs with 7 wickets in hand. The farcical rules that apply in the Northern League, and that no-one ever does anything about, meant that when the rain stopped the visitors still need 80 this time off 5 overs. Having been on the receiving end of this rule in previous weeks Darwen were quite happy to accept the winning draw, which was boosted by 2 points as on resumption as four wickets fell to Kammo and Hammo.

Better Bats In A Cave

The beautiful British weather meant another horrible day in more ways than one at the Seaside. As the league leaders took maximum points against a overly-generous Darwen team. Having consulted Michael Fish, Captain Cook decide to bat first on a wet Blackpool wicket. Slow progress was being made by Jordan and JohnnyBoy until the latter had enough of blocking it and spooned one up to mid off with 32 on the board. Atif and Jordy nudged the score along to 80 before the collapse ensued. When Jordan was caught for 35 excellent runs, there was a procession of dubious shots and decisions. Veteran Cordingley, stalked by Mike Latham, found a new way to be out hitting pad with bat, Clarkey smashed one to midwicket, Kammy's relaxed manner meant he fell asleep at the middle after completing a straight drive, he was rudely awakened from his siesta by the ball being hurled at his head. For some reason he ducked, the ball hit the wicket and Anwar Jnr was on his way run out like Graham Gooch v Roger Harper many years ago. Atif spurred on by the dulcid tones of his hero Peter Andre semmed to be in fine form until he was caught on the edge for 29. Then it was time to watch 'Come Dancing' Darwen style starring Niall, Hammo and Cookanus. All three cranks were stumped off professional Weerakoon much to the amazement of the watching hordes, as they pranced down the wicket waving a white flag! Enter Rocky Anderson who played some great shots to get us upto a still not respectable 124 all out.

The Blackpool reply was in early trouble as Anwar and Clarkson took early wickets, but Reece and Weerakoon were slowly guiding the hosts to victory and the progress was only going to be stopped by the weather. Or so it looked like as it teemed down with rain but we all enjoyed the Blackpool weather decided to play so Blackpool could win. How times change. Reece was bowled by Stuart Hampson, commendably returning after an appendix operation only 4 weeks earlier, and there was a wicket a piece for Atif and Gareth.

Another 30 or 40 runs to make a par score on an indifferent Blackpool wicket would have been enough to secure a winning draw as soon as we finished the rain came, sorry the rain was the same as it was for the last half hour of the game! A double header of Barrow at home and Chorley away this weekend - come on you Darreners!

Darwen Complete The Double Over Preston

On a balmy afternoon at West Cliff Preston decided to bat first on a typically stodgy Preston wicket. After a measured start and an opening stand of 35, a change of bowling resulted in the first wicket as Cordingley took Patel's off stump. He then had the most blatant LBW decision and a catch behind turned down and would ultimately regret a prolonged appeal when it came to batting. Young Mickey Clarkson was brought into the attack and soon took his first professional scalp having Bilal caught at mid off. Wickets started to fall at regular intervals in the face of excellent bowling backed up for the first time by some quality fielding. Young Fayaz obviously forgot everything he was taught at Darwen and tried to mow the ball to the legside and lost his middle peg. Three wickets for Gareth, two wickets a piece for Atif, Mickey and Cooky, the captain's including two caught and bowleds one of them a spectacular one hander.

The Darwen reply was in tatters at 4-3, all LBW's which we were now playing in the second innings as Jordan, Atif and Gareth were sent packing. Johnny and Clarkey started a repair job before the former ran cousin Chris out which was not very nice, and even worse gave his wicket away shortly after. At 45-5 120 looked along way away. Jo Anderson clonked one onto the artificial then fell trying to repeat the feat. This brought Kameron to the wicket to join PC Plod and both of them became the Darwen heroes. Emery on his favourite ground, hit 32, the 100th time he has got out in the thirties, and he and Kammy were so close to seeing us home until Lord Vader was run out going for a second run. Anwar Jnr showing maturity beyond his years, was guiding us to victory but Browny fell and red ink Cook came to the crease. When Kammy hit the winning runs the crowd was in raptures as the Darreners began their march towards the title.

An brilliant team effort let's hope for more of the same next week against Leylandi.

Handy Work but Another Loss to Netherlands

Darwen lost the toss at Parkside and were inserted by Netherfield Captain Barry Parry on a difficult wicket, and the innings was soon in tatters as John Cordingley, having been asked by the captain to build a solid foundation, tried to put Clement over the castle and was bowled. This was about 3 overs after he was dropped first ball of the game trying to do the same thing!! Twenty 20 is rubbish!! Atif had to be out LBW to a swinging delivery from professional Ferguson and Gareth nicked one behind, that left the Darwen youngsters and pensioner Gary Jackson to try and get us to a reasonable total. Jordan and Browny were fired, Hammo was plum but found time to console himself under a tree. Kameron Anwar, after excellent motivating skills from a senior team mate, decided to show us that he can bat as well as bowl with some excellent shots and handy entertainment. Everyon chipped in to get us upto 157 on a more difficult than usual Netherlands track. However still 40 runs short of the required score.

Having devoured the 'best teas in the league' some of the younger element showed a complete lack of experience. Firstly Anwar Jnr and Browny decided they were a little full and needed to run off some of the chips and pizza from tea. Hand in hand they skipped around the boundary edge playing catch much to the amazement of their colleagues! Then Niall decided to leave the field to have another look at his tea in the toilet, much to Captain Cook's annoyance as two fours went down to where the Burke should have been. Strange place to field third man at Netherlands, as one former popular member of the team had similar mishaps in the same position.

When Parry was bowled early in the hosts reply hope were high of a victory, but this all hinged on getting rid of professional Ferguson. Unfortunately despite all efforts he decided to play until he scored the winning runs and finished on 89 not out. Wickets fell regularly at the other end but it was another case of 'if onlys'. If only we had 40 more runs, or Hammo had brought both lungs.

A defeat but an improved fielding display and an excellent performance from the lower order to give us any chance of a victory.

League Cup Loss to Leyland

The final chance of silverware was taken from Captain Cook's hands at a sun-drenched Fox Lane ground on Sunday. On winning the toss Darwen decided to bat first on the slowest of slow tracks and amassed a creditable score of 200. After blocking the early exchanges JohnnyBoy was top scorer with 55, Atif 46 and Gareth 40.

Unfortunately it wasn't to be as Leyland scraped home with 7 balls to spare. 30 extras played their part but there were some good performances, no-balls apart the Yak produced another excellent second spell and Nathan got his first pro out.

Robbed By the Weather

The weather had the final say in an entertaining encounter at Birch Hall. The game didn't start until 330 as some of the opposition for some unknown reason were not keen on playing in perfectly playable conditions. The prima donnas were asked to put their pads on first and amassed a good total of 186-5 from 28 overs. This was due to some good batting from St.Annes coach Uz-Zaman who scored 78. He should have gone for 40 when he was given not out after middling one to 3rd slip, and then was dropped in the deep 15 runs later when Paper tried to catch the ball on his chin! Bickerdike and professional Ahmed made useful contributions, in the face of some loose bowling and once again diabolical fielding. Hampson took 3 wickets bowling unchanged from the Darwen End

Darwen sent out the boom boom merchants Atif and John Cordingley to chase down the 6.67 an over total. Johnny smashed a couple of big sixes to give the innings some impetus and but fell for 24. Ashraf played a usual excellent innings destroying the St.Annes professional with some power hitting. But the turning point in the match came when the heavens opened with 4.2 overs to go. The players left the field and as a consequence lost 3 overs. Suddenly due to the ridiculous rules that are in play when bad weather is about, the 34 runs needed for victory which Darwen were coasting to, were now needed of 1.2 overs. Atif finished on 85 not out and Gareth Cordingley was out for 47 off the last ball of the match going for glory to reach his fifty - lack of experience some might say he should have boosted his average!

Netherfield away next up on Saturday and Leyland away in the quarter final of the League Cup on Sunday. With a little bit more luck and application these close matches may well go our way.

Twenty 20 - Defeat to Chorley

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. 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. Leyland's last ten overs yielded a disappointing 61 after they had looked reasonably placed at 60 for 2 at the halfway point. Opener John Cordingley anchored the Darwen reply with a superb 71 not out, hitting four fours and two sixes. 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.

Victory at Last

Darwen returned to winning ways after 8 weeks of heartache. Captain Cook won the toss and asked Fleetwood to bat first, and his decision soon proved to be the right one as the visitors were struggling at 26-3. Yakubu removed both openers, including the big-hitting Clinning, and Hammo picked up one to a great catch for EmeryPaper. Parker began a repair job with a few lusty blows and some sound defence but was caught down the leg side off the bowling of Kameron Anwar Jnr. The visitors captain Clarke, on his favourite ground, carried on rebuilding the innings and rode his look to reach fifty before the returning Yakub took his off stump. His innings meant that Fleetwood got a respectable 154 in the face of some good Darwen bowling. The ground fielding however is still costing at least 20 runs a game and needs to be addressed. The new Andrew Mercer, Stuart Hampson, continues to bowl consistently well and picked up another 4 wickets. His opening partner 16 year old Yakub Bhamji bowls some great wicket taking deliveries and also took 4 wickets.

The Darwen reply started well with Jordan Clarke and John Cordingley, the new opening pair, adding 50 for the first wicket before Jordy tried one sweep too many and was given out LBW off the Fleetwood professional Rupasinghe. JohhnyBoy and Atif then sensibly compiled a partnership to set up an easy victory. Atif batted superbly before he was caught at slip off Blundell. The Cordingley brothers red-inked and saw us through to a well deserved victory. Johnny played a an excellent knock combining good running with a few big hits to finsh on 61 not out.

Champions St.Annes are next to visit Birch Hall - let's hope for more of the same.

Twenty 20 - Defeat to Chorley

A new name on the Northern Premier League T20 Cup looks almost certain this season after Darwen, winners of the competition in each of the previous two years, went down to their second successive defeat in the group stage. Chorley opened their T20 campaign with a four-wicket victory, achieved with eight balls to spare in a game that mirrored Darwen’s defeat at Leyland three days previously. Again Andrew Cook’s side bowled and fielded tigerishly aiming to protect what proved to be a below-par total. This time Darwen were all out for 108 off the last ball of the innings and despite an inspired bowling spell from Mark Emery, who took 3 for 16 to follow up his top score of 27 with the bat, Chorley got home with something to spare. Darwen’s innings was in ruins inside the first three overs as Chorley’s highly rated South African professional Friedel de Wet got to work. Fresh from recent county second eleven appearances with Middlesex and Lancashire, de Wet removed Chris Clarke in his opening over, caught by Nigel Eastham at mid on. De Wet then captured the prize wicket of Darwen professional Atif Ashraf, caught at mid off by Will Moulton in the third over to leave the home side struggling at 5 for 2. John Cordingley struck some fierce blows before he was bowled by Kieran McCullagh and when Jordan Clarke was caught by Eastham on the boundary edge Darwen were 30 for 4. Emery batted sensibly to help steer his side towards respectability before he top-edged Sam Sweeney to be caught by de Wit. Joe Anderson provided the other main resistance with some clean hitting until he was bowled by Eastham for 20. The last wicket pair of Nathan Jackson and Cook put on 19 to help steer Darwen past the century-mark with Eastham returning figures of three for 7 and de Wit and McCullagh each taking two wickets. On a beautiful sunlit evening at Birch Hall, Chorley’s opening pair of the in-form Josh Tolley and Eastham set off like a train. Eastham smashed his way to 16 until he was brilliantly stumped by Jordan Clarke off Ashraf in the third over. Tolley, fresh from making a century for MCC against Stockport GS earlier in the day, had made 26 before he lofted Cook down to Ashraf at long on in the fifth over. Moulton hit one stunning straight six over the sightscreen before he was bowled by Kamran Anwar to leave Chorley 71 for 3 in only the eighth over. But Darwen then spied their opening and Emery was introduced into the attack with his little-used medium pace to good effect. Emery claimed the wickets of Andrew Holdsworth, caught at mid-wicket by Cordingley and Chorley skipper Jack Catterall, another stumping victim for Jordan Clarke, in his first over. And when Emery had Craig Millward caught by Cordingley at mid-wicket Chorley had slumped to 86 for 6 in the 17th over. Michael Critchley batted patiently, however, and in partnership with de Wet steered the visitors past their target, settling the issue in grand style, hitting Emery for a glorious six over mid on.

See Gallery 2008 for a few action photos

Twenty 20 - Last Over Loss to Leyland

Darwen’s first defence of their T20 title ended in a narrow three-wicket defeat at Fox Lane against Leyland in their first group game on Tuesday evening. But Andrew Cook’s young side could take heart from an outstanding display of out-cricket as they fought to the end to defend a modest total of 126 for 6. Kamran Anwar made two brilliant catches and Mark Emery another but Leyland, despite losing a flurry of wickets in the tense closing stages, won by three wickets with four balls to spare. Darwen’s innings featured a solid 30 from professional Atif Ashraf before he was third man out, caught and bowled by Peter Cummings in the 11th over with the score on 59. James Rounding had bowled a fine opening spell to dismiss Chris and Jordan Clarke. The former was surprised by a rearing delivery and was caught by Tom Reece, the latter was bowled. Teenager Niall Burke batted with maturity to reach 32 before he was bowled by Leyland professional Ameer Khan. But it was fourth-teamer Joe Anderson who provided the fireworks with a superb 33 not out that included four sixes, including successive sixes off Ameer Khan, and helped give Darwen a competitive total. Captain David Makinson and Stephen Cartwright supported Rounding with good spells but Cummings and Khan were expensive. There was no hint of the drama to follow as Leyland openers Karl Cross and Chris Parkinson calmly added 68 for the first wicket before Cross was run out for 38 in the 12th over. Parkinson and Khan then took the score past the century-mark before the former was bowled by Yakub Bhamji for 37 to leave Leyland 101 for 2 in the 16th over. Andrew Makinson was next to go, victim of a superb Kamran Anwar catch at mid-on off the bowling of Darwen captain Andrew Cook. And when Ameer Khan was caught by Anwar at mid-off, a stunning, diving effort, off Bhamji Leyland were rocking at 110 for 4 in the 18th over. The tension increased as Tom Reece was run out in the same over after a misunderstanding with Cummings. Needing 17 to win off the last two overs, Rounding hit Cook for a vital boundary before Cummings was caught by Anderson to leave seven still wanted off the final over. Leyland skipper Dave Makinson hit the first ball from Anwar for a six over long leg to tie the scores before he fell victim to a stunning Emery catch at mid-wicket off the third ball of the over. But Leyland wicket-keeper Matthew Watkinson kept his head, striking his first ball through mid-on for the winning boundary to decide an outstanding game.

See Gallery 2008 for a few action photos

Darwen Fall Short

Darwen ended their losing streak but still came out second best in a close encoounter against Lancaster at Birch Hall. Having won the toss skipper Andrew Cook opted to bowl first and must have been regretting his decision as the visitors quickly got to 80 before the first wicket fell. Kameron Anwar took the wicket, which was the first of four for the 17 year old who has a bright future in the game. However, the runs kept flowing from the bat of professional Umar until Anwar deceived him with a slower delivery and took his middle stump. Cameos from the Lancaster middle order combined with a pathetic display in the field meant they finished their innings on 209-7.

The Darwen reply was soon in trouble as the Clarke brothers both fell cheaply, before professional Ashraf and veteran Cordingley once again began a repair job. They put on 100 for the next wicket until Cordingley was bowled by Barry. A succession of poor shots, when supporting Atif was the order of the day, then followed and despite a magnificent century from Ashraf they fell 15 runs short.

Another weekend of 'ifs and buts' because with a bit more intelligent play victory would have been ours. Next match is a difficult trip to Morecambe.

Another Weekend Another Loss

The arduous journey to Barrow ended up in the home side recording a 15 point victory of hapless Darwen. Yet it could have and should have been oh so different. On a bouncy and seaming wicket excellent bowling from Stuart Hampson and Kameron Anwar had reduced the hosts to 72-6. The next wicket did not fall until 110 runs later as the Darwen attack had no answer to a fourteen year old who amassed 78 runs. Instead of chasing 140 maximum, we were set 198. The batsmen rode their luck but stuck in before making hay later in the day in the face of some wayward bowling.

The Darwen reply was soon on the back foot as Jackson and Clarke both fell to the same shot at second slip from the bounce of the new ball attack. Ashraf looked in fine touch as he and Cordingley tried to steady the ship and build a partnership. Atif had scored 32 when blasted one straight to midwicket and was well caught. JohnnyBoy soon played down the Bakerloo to a straight one and then PC Plod pulled a slow long hop straight to midwicket. With the innings in tatters at 95-5 Cordingley miscued a pull and was well caught to leave us staring down the barrell again. Kammy, Hammo and Yak soon fell, before Jordan was given out off his shoulder to end the innings. A pitiful effort against an average attack, building innings and batting in partnerships are what is needed, hand in hand with better shot selection and execution or this could be a long and painful season.

Again this was another game we were very much in charge of but let the initiave go and in the end we were comprehensively beaten. The ability is there but it is time to start delivering.

Blackpool Rock Darwen

A thrilling game at Birch Hall saw the visitors scrape home to a narrow victory. Having been asked to bat first Darwen amassed a decent total of 196. Probably should have got a few more but it was the second highest score of the season and was a competitive total. A watchful Atif played a patient innings and got 52, while the ever improving JohnnyBoy red-inked with 52.

Blackpool got off to a decent start until no-ball king Yak bowled Dosser for 10. Captain Cook bowled his best spell of the season and pegged the Seasiders back with 2 wickets, before the professional had a few lucky wafts and managed to put the visitors in the box seat. Veteran Cordingley wrestled the initiative back with a couple of wickets before Weerakoon and Danson looked like easily guiding them home. When pro Weerakoon was caught behind and Hogarth LBW to Hampson the pendulum swung back to Darwen. Danson rode his luck having been plum LBW, then dropped twice with difficult chances, however Gleeson batted well and saw the visitors home with 3 balls to spare.

A combination of no-balls, overthrows, missed chances, wandering fielders, bad balls, no runs in the lsat 4 overs when batting all contributed to the loss. However we are competing well and just need that little bit of luck, or to grab the opportunities when they present themselves if we are to turn defeats into victories.

Bank Holiday Shambles

Darwen lost to Chorley for the first time in over 10 years on Monday. On a perfect batting track having been asked to bat first the hosts could only muster a paltry 133 All Out. This was due somewhat to an excellent spell of fast bowling from Brad Friedel the Chorley professional, but does not excuse some of the ridiculous shots played. Clarkey, Gary and Atif all went early as Darwen plummetted to new lows at 6 for 3. The Cordingley brothers repaired the damage somewhat and were in great touch until a ridiculous LBW decision sent Gareth on his way for 20. Cameos from Niall and Paper followed by daft shots soon led to furthe wickets, then JohnnyBoy who was the last hope of decent total perished for 40. Jordan showed excellent technique to play Friedel with ease but was last man out. 113 on that track against average bowling, pro apart, was about 80 runs light.

Early wickets were the order of the day and Captain Cook duely abliged, Kameron Anwar bowled well and picked up two wickets but some excellent batting from a talented Chorley youngster Tolley 72 not out, saw them home to victory with ease. Nice of the Chorley team to have a drink in the bar after the game.

Blackpool are the visitors to Birch Hall next week - let's hope we start to shape ourselves.

Mint Caked at Kendal

The away day blues continued once again at an overcast and windy Kendal. Arriving 10 minutes before the start probably didn't help, as Darwen lost the toss and were asked to bowl first against a Kendal team who seemed set on breaking the league record in 30 overs before declaring. Read these words and remember them - Andrew Cook took a wicket!! Captain Cook who has been bowling well of late without success, has his old bunny Ikram Ullah the opposition's captain to thank. He got him out 3 times last year and remembering his fallability to long hop tried it again. Low and behold lightning strikes twice and the Cook is smiling once again. A barrage of short pitchers and half volleys followed before a Hampson full bunger accounted for Howarth. With the main two at the crease Hunte and pro Macmillan a run fest started as they reached 86-2 off about 8 overs and looked set for 500. Kameron Anwar replaced Hammo and took the prize scalp of Terry Hunte bowling him middle stump. In partnership with Atif they turned the screw and began draggin the game back. Macmillan went into his shell playing sensibly as the new batsmen struggled. Strange team Kendal they always have new players but have few local lads, do they have a youth system?? Anyway Atif bowled an excellent spell on a good batting track and took 5 wickets. , ably supported by Cordingley, who crawled off his death bed to bowl 8 overs when he told the captain he had only come to bat, and Kammy who caught and bowled the pro for 93. The fielding was excellent and a vast improvement and 214 was very gettable target.

Clarkey and Gary began well in a new gung-ho batting line up, before CJ got a bit of a grubber and was out LBW. Atif smashed a couple before being caught at midwicket, Gorro and Garth began the repair job and were coasting towards victory with both in imperious form, until disaster struck, as Jackson seeking revenge for an early season run out hit it to the professional and ran, not even a despairing dive could save Cordingley and the initiative was handed back to Kendal with the score on 118-3. To make matters worse Gary and Niall soon fell. PC Plod and JohnnyBoy both looking in good form pulled the game back until Paper was dubiously given out LBW to a right arm round bowler in Simm. No need for dissent though copper! It was now upto Johnny to see us home, but he went for the big shot and was caught at long on. Then Hammo played one of the worst shots in history and was bowled. Hat-trick ball and Jordan missed it and was trapped in front as Howarth claimed the feat. Only Cooky and Kammy remained and nudged us upto 160, before after advice from the captain Anwar was out next ball caught at short leg.

Defeat is difficult to take but we played well for the most part and should have beaten a team that will finish in the top four.

Sundays are Bobbins

Another Sunday another defeat, this time at the hands of Roe Green in the ECB National Knockout. Darwen batted first and amassed the 201-9, thanks in the main to the big hitting Stuart Hampson 73 not out and Andrew Cook 17 not out. Captain Cook alledgedly hit a 6 into the pavilion!! Contributions of 28,24 and 20 from Niall, Johnny and Plod ensured a competitive total was posted.

However Roe Green had different ideas and easily knocked out the runs for the loss of just 3 wickets. The performance in the field has been described as the worst by a Darwen team in the last 20 years. So plenty of improvement needed before the long journey to Kendal on Saturday, and Chorley on Monday.

Lancs Cup Loss

Darwen crashed out of the Europe (Lancs Cup) at the first hurdle beaten comprehensively by Colwyn Bay, who recorded their first victory of the season at Birch Hall. Poor batting and tidy bowling was responsible for a paltry 105 total, with only Atif making 40 and PC Emery red-inking on 17, having to watch A.Yeti take a hat-trick from the other end. The Welshman coasted to victory suffering the loss of only 2 wickets.

Losing Draw at Leylandi

Darwen were asked to bowl first on a humid day Leyland, and the new ball was given to Stuart Hampson. He did exactly what his captain wanted and got an early wicket bowling Parkinson for nought. Big hitting Cummins was caught behind by Richie Benno, again off Hammo, a few overs later and we were in the driving seat. A partnership between Cross and pro Ameer Khan flourished, but the boxer could have gone at any time, alas unfortunately he didn't. Cordingley replaced Hammo and soon sent Cross and Farrington packing. Captain Cook inspired G to pick up another wicket, by diving to stop a ball with his feet and missing, and then with his hands and missing. The bowler was on the verge of losing it until he picked up a wicket with his next ball, as The Salsa Man took a catch of Cordy. Allegedly it was all a cunning plan from Cooky to bring about a wicket as young Makinson and Khan were rebuilding the innings. After a few lucky wafts Jeremy Clarkson caught the Leyland paid man off Atif, Hammo picked up another and a par score of 173 was reached.

The Darwen response was in tatters in the first over as Qureshi hacked at one and was caught, next ball Kameron was adjudged LBW. Jackson and Cordingley then set about repairing the innings and were coasting towards target until with the score on 53, Gary couldn't pick a googly and was bowled. Cordingley soon followed after stupidly edging a cut shot for 34. JohnnyBoy and Emeroid started to build a partnership but then both lost the plot and played brain dead shots. With 6 wickets down and defeat looking a formality, in steps Niall Burke. Little Burke played straight, some excellent shots and timed the ball superbly and managed to take us past the 140 mark, ably supported by Benno, Hammo and the skipper. Hammo strangley defied the orders of the captain and tried to win the game with some good hits, but tried one too many. Niall was out off the last ball of the game trying to plant Khan over the houses for a well made 40. A nice red-inker I think next time. We finshed 20 runs short got in positions to win but just failed to grasp them.

Darwen Win Thriller

Darwen 100% home record was kept in tact after an unlikely victory against Preston. After heavy rain on Sunday the start of the match was delayed and 42 over contest was agreed on a wet wicket. Captain Cook continues to be the biggest sorry best tosser in the league as once again he won and decided to have a bowl. As Preston passed 150 without loss it seemed the wrong decision as professional Billy Asad and some other slogger piled on the runs in the face of some inept bowling. The dampness of the popping crease can be blamed some way for the barrage of half trackers and off line deliveries, but the Darwen ground fielding so good in recent matches went down a level as the team were resigned to chasing a massive total. Beeser is back at work today if you need an appointment JohnnyBoy. Atif bowled well picking up 2 wickets and was ably supported by Kameron and the returning all rounder PC EmeryPaper. The Preston innings closed on 205-5 and seemed a daunting total, but with the ball skidding on to the bat nicely we were not out of the game.

The worst possible start for the hosts ensued as all-night-raver Faversham Clarke got one that tennis ball bounced and he was caught at point. The soon to be married Gary Jackson fell next caught at slip for 8. Atif and Gareth then set about a repair job in the gloom at Birch Hall. After a partnership of 54, Quereshi was a caught on the edge for 57, with 120 still needed. JohnnyBoy clonked a six but then fell as Darwen were still intent on victory. Paper joined G and played some great shots to keep up with the 10 an over asking rate. After some lusty blows the Preston attack was under real pressure. However needing 17 from 8 deliveries a key moment of a six over the houses and a 4 meant Darwen were now favourites to claim a last over victory. With 7 needed from the last over 3 singles with everyone surprisingly on the edge meant Darwen were easing to the total required. However Cordingley decided he was too old to keep running and dispatched one over deep midwicket for six to finish the game and red-ink on 99. Cordingley and Emery put on the 95 to win with 2 balls to spare in an amazing and unlikely end to the game.

Next up is table topping Leyland - improved fielding and bowling is a must.

Carnage at Carnforth

Darwen's away day blues surfaced again at sunny Carnforth. The captain set the tone for the day when packing his bag he decided not to bring a ball, the scorebook, the beers and neglected to arrange drinks on a day the temperature registered 37C in the shade. On winning the toss the home side were asked to bat first on sodden, slow, low wicket. At 33 for 0 of 4 overs it looked a bad decision as full bunger after full bunger went to the U15s size boundary. However the openers pulled it back a little as The Yak took the first wicket with Hammo taking a catch at point. Yakub would have 2 more wickets but he overstepped twice. Stuart Hampson, in his third game back after a seven year absence, strangely got choice of ends after travelling up with captain, but justified this by removing opener Moore's middle stump. Hammo and Cordingley then bowled in tandem to drag the game back stifling the runs on a tricky wicket, and Stu picked up his second wicket. The Yak came back to remove Relph and left the hosts at 94-4. The Carnforth skipper Tiny came and batted by numbers but slogged 48 before running himself out. Professional Bailey sensibly anchored the innings before he was superbly yorked for 89 by the veteran Cordingley. Another run out and a wicket for G-man meant the final total was 226 for 8. 170 would have been a more realistic total to chase.

Atif was his usual belligerent self disptaching anything short, but the innings was soon in tatters as Clarky and Gasman fell in quick succession. Cordingley G shaped wooden spooning a catch to mid off after hanging around for a bit. JohnnyBoy was out second ball but got a reprieve via the square leg umpire for a no-ball 3 men behind square. He also spooned one due to lack of pace in the wicket to debutant bowler Quinn. When Atif was caught on the edge for 65, any realistic hopes of victory were gone. Hammo and Nathan both allegedly got unplayable deliveries, the fact that they came from a bloke on a Stenna Stairlift at 30mph cast some doubt on their theory. Yakub played some good shots, but it was left to Niall Burke to give some positivity to the performance. Little Burke played some excellent shots all round the wicket and got 30, but was the last man to fall with the score on 147.

A disappointing day against a similar standard team. Let's hope we bounceback against Preston on Monday

The Darreners Bounceback With Twelve

Darwen once again displayed their inability to play past 1700 as another early finish was the order of the day. But on this occasion the result was a remarkable victory over the perennial title challengers of Netherfield. The Darwen skipper Andrew CorkDog won the toss and put the opposition into bat. Yakubu on his home debut was first to strike removing Prime's off stump with a deceptive full bunger. South Australian professional Callum Ferguson and Brown steadied the ship against some accurate bowling and no-balling from Captain Cook and The Yak. With the score on 38 for one, Yakub produced a superb delivery which the paid man had no answer to as he was spectacularly caught one handed by the Jordanian. The weakened Netherlands batting line then produced the mother of all collapses in the face of some fantastic Darwen bowling. Brown was looking well set before the Yak dug one in and Bling Bling Clarke to a good catch at square leg. Mickey Clarkson replaced Brearley Cook at the Darren End and took his first First Team wicket trapping Girdhari plum in front. Mickey then decided to roll on the floor for a bit after over celebrating his wicket and turning his ankle. At 42-4 with the Netherlands in trouble, veteran Gareth Cordingley replaced the hospital bound Clarkson with immediate success taking the edge of Hill's bat easily pouched at first slip by ex-Rishton player CornDoggyDog. Troubled skipper Clement then needlessly ran himself out attempting a second run as Student Clarke cunningly slowly ambled after the ball before unleashing a rocket throw. With the innings in tatters, The HammoDog, in his 2nd game back after a seven year absence, took up the attack from the Blackburn End and promptly removed Little, Miller and Wilson in quick succession. The hard work put in by MC Hammer and G Man before the game paid dividends and the dangerous Hadspin was the last man to fall bowled middle stump, as he trudged off the pitch with both pads on the Netherfield innings closed unbelievably on 51. A tremendous effort on a pitch not offering a great deal but helped by some strange shot selections.

After only 20 overs unsurprisingly tea wasn't ready so it was a straight swap round and soon Atif and Clarkey were after the attack. After a couple of early blows Atif had a mow at one from Clement and lost his middle peg. Clarke was adjudged LBW to Ferguson, but Gorro Jackson rolled back the years and played some exquisite shots. Like a vintage wine Peter Pan Jackson gets better with age, but sadly his running between the wickets leaves a lot to be desired. An easy one turned out to be his downfall as he was sat on his bat preferring only to deal in boundaries. The Cordingleys red-inked to see us home after 11 overs.

Who predicted that before the match? Even Paul Security Edwards was impressed. More of the same please next week away at Carnforth and home to Preston on Monday.

Twisted But Not Stirred

The dawn of a new era started at Vernon Road as the Darwen Under 17s attempted to take on the current league champions. Having been asked to bat first on the coldest opening day for 20 years the opening pair of Clarke and newly-wed Atif took the attack to a seemingly toothless St.Annes attack and put on 60 for the first wicket until Stephen Twist switched ends. The talented usual under-performer ripped the heart out of the Darwen batting order. He bowled Atif, a couple of balls later Clarkey fell to gentle leg spin of the St.Aidans professional Mansoor Ahmed. The Lancashire League champion John Cordingley was out second ball to Twist adjudged LBW to a ball that was just clipping off bail. The oldest player on the team Gareth Cordingley was next to go for 10. Katie Price Clarke was looking good until another LBW for Twist as the collapse continued. Nathan The Lover Jackson decided two balls were enough. Kameron Anwar played some beautiful shots and certainly looks to be at home in this environment before he was ridiculously given out off his pad because he's a young lad. Hammo back after seven years played a couple of good shots but was deceived by the slow pace of Whitehead. Captain Cook and Micky Clarkson could do little to stem the demise of the Darreners and Yakub on debut was left high and dry on 5 not out. 127 on that track with small boundaries was a paltry score especially against a weak St.Annes attack.

Darwen's opening attack of two 16 year olds had the hosts reply in tatters as the impressive Yakub took Evans leg stump, Captain Cook decided to roll the ball rather than throw it but still got the run out. Panic was setting in as a couple of near misses for Twist and local 'amateur' Atiq Uz-Zaman but they soon set about some wayward bowling to bludgeon under-cooked attack at will. The game was over in time for the Rovers v Man U game.

This was a comparably poor St.Annes team that battered us in the end, needless to say there is plenty of room for improvement. But the enthusiasm and effort shown in the field was excellent. Netherlands next let's get up for it!!

Darwen successfully defended a low total to earn a tense 22 runs victory over Preston at West Cliff in the Second Division League Cup Final on Sunday. Christian Davies, who set a new Darwen club second XI bowling record in league matches in 2008, continued his prolific season to the end, taking 5 for 20 as Preston were bowled out for 70.

Davies, known to his team-mates as 'CD' bowled superbly to take the wickets of four of the first five Preston batsmen while danger-man Aziz Shaheen was run out by Greg Lawrenson after making the game's highest score of 29. Lawrenson's slow left arm spin then continued the Darwen stranglehold. Lawrenson took 4 for 17 in his eight overs and Davies returned to the attack to bag the wicket of Roger Kaye as Preston fell short of their modest target.

Earlier Darwen had struggled on a stodgy, slow-paced pitch after Preston's groundstaff had worked wonders to get the ground fit for play. Preston captain Johnny Winter invited Darwen to bat after winning the toss. Only three Darwen players reached double figures with Simon Painter top-scoring with 17. Fellow veteran David Bonner made a valuable 16 late in the innings while Nathan Jackson made 11. Dipesh Patel was the most successful Preston bowler with impressive figures of 4 for 16.

The victory was a family affair for Darwen captain Gary Jackson, joined in the side by sons Scott and Nathan while Christian Davies' son Alex was also a member of the victorious side. Though the conditions proved to be the winner and make batting a difficult task, the excellent bowling and fielding of both sides reflected well on the standard of second XI cricket in the Northern Premier League and a good-sized crowd enjoyed their afternoon.

SCOREBOARD:
Second Division Cup Final
Preston v Darwen at West Cliff
Toss won by Preston

Innings of Darwen: S Jackson c M Patel b Kaye 8; N Jackson b Javed Hussain 11; A Davies c M Patel b Shaheen 1; S Painter c Winter b D Patel 17; M Bennett (WK) c M Patel b D Patel 9; G Ainslie run out 2; G Jackson (Capt) lbw Javed Hussain 9; A Brown c Kaye b D Patel 0; D Bonner c Shaheen b D Patel 16; C Davies b Starkie 4; G Lawrenson not out 2; Extras 13; Total 92 (38.4 overs)

Bowling: Javed Hussain 6-0-18-2; Ughradar 5-0-8-0; Kaye 8-2-17-1; Shaheen 5-2-12-1; D Patel 8-1-16-4; Starkie 6.4-1-17-1.

Innings of Preston:
A Shaheen run out 29; F Ughradar c Bennett b C Davies 2; B Donaldson c&b C Davies 2; Javed Hussain lbw C Davies 4; J Winter (Capt) c&b C Davies 7; M Jefferies b Lawrenson 1; R Cairns (WK) b Lawrenson 11; M Patel c Bennett b Lawrenson 2; D Patel b Lawrenson 0; R Kaye c N Jackson b C Davies 7; A Starkie not out 1; Extras 4; Total 70 (34 overs)

Bowling: N Jackson 5-0-13-0; Bonner 8-4-11-0; C Davies 7-2-20-5; Lawrenson 8-2-17-4; Ainslie 6-0-8-0.

Darwen won by 22 runs

Defeat to Barrow

On a green wicket we asked Barrow to bat first and after 10 overs they had reached 51 without loss. The first wicket fell at 80 after 18 overs and some 32 overs later they had doubled their score to 160 in losing their last nine wickets. We failed to hit the right areas with our bowling in the early part of there innings and generally the fielding was indifferent. The wickets were shared between Christian Davies (4) Nail Burke (2) and David Bonner(2).Christian Davies taking his 26 wicket of the season( pushing cookie for a first x1 debut. We should have bowled them out for less but even 160 was a target we should have achieved. However after 15 overs we had 6 of our batsmen back in the pavilion , not really due to good bowling but bad batting. Even though we had 35 over still to bat it was going to be a tall order to reach their total and we finally were all out for 111 in 28.4 overs, still 21 to bat and 50 short. A.Brown 29, S.Painter 20and M.Grant 19 were top scores We have to start batting the full allocation of overs and realise that shot selection, partnerships and an awareness of what we have to achieve in the time that we have allocated is important. We must play the ball each ball on it merit, it was like watching 20/20 when we batted. We are a capable side and can beat any side in the league but we have to do better.