9:26am Monday 20th July 2009
By Matt Donlan
CHORLEY snatched a winning draw from the jaws of certain defeat as they came out the better of rain which wrecked their Northern League game at Kendal.
The rain fell at Shap Road with Kendal requiring 44 runs with seven wickets and 13.3 overs remaining.
Chorley were indebted to Michael Critchley who hit an undefeated 73 off 129 balls including seven fours and one six.
Pro Chris Hartley (39), Ian Oakes (22) and stand-in captain Andrew Holdsworth (26 not out) all helped the visitors post 178-5 after they had lost both openers cheaply.
With 42 from Kevin Howarth and 33 from Terry Hunte setting the platform, Kendal were on top with pro and captain Ross Macmillan 29 not out when the Lake District’s heaven’s opened.
The lucky break saw Chorley claim six points – but they lost second spot in the table to Preston, who walloped a shocking Carnforth side.
St Annes stay on top after beating Barrow by nine wickets with former Pakistan Test star Atiq uz-Zaman making another half-century.
There was better news for Chorley seconds, though, as Kieran McCullagh starred.
Playing as a batsman after injury, first team bowler McCullagh batted beautifully to make 119 in Chorley’s 251-6. Josh Tolley made his return from a broken wrist and hit 22.
McCullagh then turned his talents to left arm spin and finished with 7-38 off 20 overs as Kendal escaped with a draw on 184-8.
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