CHORLEY'S hopes of another trip to Lord's for more glory in the Cockspur National Knockout Cup ended at Bootle on Sunday.

In truth it came as little surprise as Bootle are something of a 'Chelsea' type outfit in the world of club cricket with several members of their squad paid sizeable sums for their services.

Although this may seem at odds with what is basically an amateur game, many supporters may say 'Good luck to them if they can afford it', but it does seem ludicrous that Chorley were not allowed to play their professional Stephen John as the competition rules state that only semi-professional players are allowed.

It was always going to be a struggle for Chorley and their cause was not helped by the unavailability of senior players Michael Critchley and captain Nigel Heaton.

Stand-in skipper Neil Senior won the toss and chose to bat and Chorley posted a season's best opening partnership.

Ian Oakes and Tom Smith put on 61 before Oakes was caught in the deep.

Nick Woods then fell to a staggering catch on the boundary off a shot that looked destined to go for six until the fielder flung out a despairing arm and the ball stayed in his hand.

Smith, as usual, was superb before being adjudged LBW attempting to sweep Snellgrove.

Ian Mawdesley was another Snellgrove victim for a feisty 23 while Senior mixed caution and aggression in his 41.

The tail were then blown away by Lamb whose final figures of 4/10 hastened Chorley's demise.

The target looked as if it was at least 20 or 30 runs short of a challenging total but Billy Smith gave Chorley an early boost by bowling Sainsbury.

In truth, though, Bootle's experienced batting line-up was always favourite to reach their target.

Former Lancashire batsman McKeown went LBW to Tom Smith for 20 but Snellgrove was immovable, eventually finishing unbeaten on 93 as Lockbain and Reynolds offered sufficient support to see Bootle home.

Saturday's home league game with Blackpool was washed out without a ball being bowled which meant both sides took four points.

Fleetwood's 72 run victory over Darwen in one of the only league matches completed on Saturday means Chorley are now in fourth place in the Northern Premier League table, 11 points behind leaders Netherfield.

This weekend Chorley travel to Preston on Saturday in the league.

Chorley entertain Barrow on Sunday in the Thwaites Smooth Bitter League Cup starting at 2pm.

As they won their first group stage match at Lancaster another victory would set them well on the way for a semi-final spot.

Scores: Chorley 167 Bootle 170/3