Dearden display eclipses Lloyd return

6:11pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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ON a day when much of the attention was focused on the return to action of former England coach David Lloyd, it was Haslingden's Steve Dearden who app-eared as the hero of the hour at Thorney-holme Road.

The visitors posted an impressive target of 226-7, which included a knock of 76 from captain Graham Knowles and a maiden league half century from Aussie professional David Bandy, who was out on 60 thanks to a fine diving catch from Lloyd senior.

And then Dearden went to work with the ball, picking up the wickets of Stuart Crabtree (27) and Toby Bullock in successive balls, before claiming the scalp of Graham Lloyd, who was racing away on 78.

Despite the defeat, Bumble was satisfied with his performance.

He said: "It was a good pitch and a great atmosphere. The fans who came to watch saw two good teams and a lot of runs, it's just a shame we couldn't edge it."

The loss knocked Accy off the top of the league, and they were replaced by Rawtenstall, who extended their unbeaten league run to 19 matches after an 85 run win over Church at Bacup Road.

Skipper Andy Payne (47) and Chris Cook-Martin (36) opened up with an 82 run partnership, with Danny Barlow (33), professional Nathan McCullum (31) and Will Cook-Martin (19) also chipping in as the home side made 217 all out.

Professional Craig McMillan was the stad-out performer for Nelson as they scraped past Bacup by 12 runs The New Zealander hit a superb century with 13 fours and two sixes off 91 balls in Nelson's 195-6.

And he followed that up to make 5-53 with the ball.

Todmorden were also grateful of their skipper's contribution.

An unbeaten 66 from Gulam Bodi carried them to a 7 wicket win over champions Rishton in a match which was also affected by rain at Centre Vale.

Keith Barker (5-25) and professional Brandon Hiini (5-45) picked up five wickets apiece in Enfield's 36 run win at Burnley.

And Lowerhouse picked up their first win of the season against Ramsbottom.

Charlie Cottam was their inspiration with a sparking 53 from 33 balls with four fours and two sixes.

Blake Snijman claimed six wickets for 58 at Alexandra Meadows as Enfield overcame East Lancs by 17 runs.