3:20pm Monday 10th August 2009
By Matt Donlan
CHORLEY bounced back to form in stunning style as they derailed Morecambe's charge towards the Northern League summit to boost their own title hopes after a miserable month.
The Windsor Park outfit’s challenge for the silverware appeared to be faltering and against a Morecambe side on an 11-match unbeaten run, they appeared to be up against it.
But Chorley spinner Rex Purnell stepped up to the plate to claim 4-17, including the prized wicket of professional Mandla Mashimbyi in his first over.
Morecambe were all out for 164 thanks to the efforts of Purnell, while Ian Oakes (2-8) and Matt Parry (2-37) also bowled with aplomb.
Chorley looked set for a comfortable win after Josh Tolley and Australian pro Chris Hartley added 85 for the second wicket.
But panic set in after Queenslander Hartley was bowled by Jono Gates for 45 and Tolley caught at mid off by Mashimbyi off Gates for a beautifully compiled 55 and with pace ace Gates claiming 3-45 and Mashimbyi 4-58, they slumped to 138-7 and the game was in the balance.
But Purnell and Billy Smith shared an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 29 to steer Chorley home with an over and a half remaining to leave Chorley jut 16 points off the lead.
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