EAST Lancs were the Lancashire League bridesmaids for the fifth time in six years but finished their season on a high.

The fact Bacup had held off their challenge to win the title on the final day was old news by the time Nas Iqbal faced the last three balls needing 12 runs with just two wickets to spare to defeat Nelson at Seedhill.

Iqbal was facing Nelson's sub pro Joe Scuderi, the Lancashire player called in for this weekend as Wade Wingfield was suffering from a back injury.

It seemed Nelson had clinched a double win to end what had been a poor season on a good note.

But Iqbal had other ideas hitting a six, a two and then finishing with a six to seal the win for the runners-up.

"I knew Nas would do it," said East Lancs skipper Andy Clague, who along with his team-mates had spray painted their hair for their final game.

"He's done it before. It was a huge lift after hearing that Bacup had won and it meant we didn't end the season on a damp note.

"We have come second and only lost two games all season and any other year we might have won it on this. The rain hasn't helped us although this is not sour grapes.

"We've had four games off while I think Bacup have had two and the way the points system works in these games may be something the league should look at. But that's not taking anything away from Bacup, they are an excellent team."

"There are plenty of other clubs who would like to be in our position. It has been an excellent season, we've had great team spirit and it has been fantastic."

And they have done it the hard way without a pro after Brad Young returned to Australia around two months ago and they have had to rely on sub pros - St Anne's paid man David Callaghan helping East Lancs yesterday with 52 before becoming one of Scuderi's four victims. Scuderi dismissed the South African and Phil Mercer in two balls.

That seemed to give the advantage to Nelson and the wickets kept tumbling with East Lancs needing 23 off the last four overs, 17 off the last two and then 14 from one - but enter Iqbal to steal the headlines for the league's second placed side.

While all eyes were focused on the race for the title, Rawtenstall professional Matthew Mott was breaking records in his side's five wicket win over Rishton.

Set 216 for victory, the Australian run-machine scored 98 in a brilliant third wicket stand of 168 with Jamie Carter (62 not out), eclipsing Michael Bevan's club record total of 1,344 runs for a season in the process to lead his side home in fine style.

Mott finished the campaign with 1,391 runs to his name -- an outstanding effort from one of the league's most consistent performers over the last couple of seasons.

Earlier, Peter Sleep had scored a fine century for the home side, putting on 134 with professional Clinton Perren for the third wicket to rescue Rishton from the perilous position of 14-3.

Haslingden's Ian Austin and Mike Ingham came to within one run of matching the club's record stand against Burnley, but Ingham was caught after the pair had put on 208.

Austin hit his first century of the season, a not out 130, as Haslingden cruised to a 26-run win.

Mark Aspin's 80 (seven fours and three sixes) was not enough to secure victory for Church against Lowerhouse. Chris Bleazard top-scored for Lowerhouse with 67 (six fours and one six) and the home side won by six wickets with 1.5 overs left.

Colne opener Gary Hunt smashed a brilliant half century to ensure his side finished the season on a high with a nine wicket win over Todmorden.

Hunt struck 12 boundaries in an unbeaten 95 as he and professional Marcus North shared a match-winning stand of 192.

Earlier, Brian Heywood had top-scored with 67 for Todmorden in their total of 200-9 but it was all in vain.

At Accrington visitors Ramsbottom culled 12 points and their professional Brad Hodge surpassed the club's pro batting record for a season as he blasted 71.

Ramsbottom made 247 for nine wickets, Lennie Dewhurst claiming three for 50, and even a whirlwind 95 from 93 balls by pro Tama Canning could not spare the home club from defeat -- Mark Price claiming four wickets for 81.