Chorley make T/20 finals

9:43am Monday 14th July 2008

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Chorley qualified for the Northern Premier League Twenty/20 finals day when they beat Darwen by 11 runs at Windsor Park on Friday evening.

Friedel de Wet top scored with 66 off 55 balls including four sixes and three fours in Chorley's total 144 for 6.

His innings involved an unfortunate dramatic incident when one of his sixes cleared the short leg-side boundary and nearby cemetery wall and incredibly struck a woman on the head who was tending a grave.

The match was held up while players rushed to provide first aid as it is understood the woman was knocked unconscious by the blow.

Although it is understood she recovered without sustaining a serious injury, de Wet was clearly shaken by the incident.

Darwen made a good effort in their reply, despite the increasingly gloomy conditions with opener John Cordingley hitting 29 including three fours and a six Cordingley before he was caught and bowled by Kieran McCullagh.

Nigel Eastham took a magnificent catch on the mid-wicket boundary to claim the wicket of pro Atif Ashraf, when he knocked the ball up in the air, stepped over the boundary then back into the field of play before completing the catch.

Despite some resistance Darwen finished 11 runs short with Jim Lee finishing with figures of 4 for 19.

The Twenty/20 finals day with be at Stanley Park, Blackpool on Sunday, July 27.

Chorley had less luck in their League Cup quarter-final tie at Preston on Sunday when they lost by 23 runs.

Preston pro Bilal Asad made 48 in his side's 182 for 9 while. Sam Sweeney took 3 for 50 for Chorley and pro Friedel de Wet 2 for 14.

Chorley were bowled out for 159 despite de Wet hitting 80 off 58 balls that included six sixes and three fours.