Darwen enjoyed what turned out to be a comfortable victory over Preston at Birch Hall on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Darwen soon had Preston in trouble as Neil Cordingley removed Bavla for 4.

Fellow opening bowler Mercer then removed Preston's pro Asad and the dangerous Vahaluwala and Preston were in trouble at 48 for 3.

Sub pro Peires bowled economically and picked up 2 wickets and it was left to Mercer to return to the attack to finish off Preston as they were bowled out for 125 as Mercer returned figures of 6 for 21 from his 14 overs.

Darwen reply began briscally before veteran Jackson was removed LBW for 18 but substitute professional batted sensibly and guided the birch hall boys to their target as he finished 59 not out well supported by Gareth Cordingley 22 not out.