PRESTWICH's bid to retain the Lancashire County Cricket League title ended in gallant failure.

A thumping win over Denton, which included a century for Steve Davies and a six wicket haul for Chris Humphreys counted for nothing after DSL also picked up the mamiximum five points from their clash at Dukinfield.

The decisive difference was the two wins for Dukinfield in earlier games between the two rivals.

The clubs finished the season on identical points and win-loss records.

Dukinfield 141ao (0) v DSL 142-7 (5)

DSL - Ryan Nurse 5-48, Paul Gould 56

Irlam 92ao (0) v Roe Green 141ao (5)

ROE GREEN - Paul Bousted 6-45, Craig Sackfield 50

Prestwich 207-4 (5) v Denton 101ao (0)

PRESTWICH - Steve Davies 100, Chris Humphreys 6-33

DENTON - Andrew Neill 54