CLIFTON clinched an exciting last-over victory over Northern League side Darwen to reach the next round of the Abbot Ale cricket competition.

The Bolton Association side were chasing Darwen's 220-4 total and were up with the pace after Geoff Griffths had opened with an impressive 82 with useful contributions from Brian Taylor (46), including three sixes in an over, and skipper Phil Royle 44.

Their dismissal, however, slowed down the run rate.

Clifton needed 11 off the last over - and they reached the target in style.

After James Ainscough scored a four and a single it left pro Mark Price on strike and he won the game with a magnificent six over the scoreboard.

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