SPRINGBOK professional Billy Stelling celebrated his 27th birthday in style - and launched East Lancs' Lancashire league title drive.

Stelling landed 14 wickets as East Lancs chalked up wins over Haslingden and fierce rivals Rishton in the weekend's double-header action.

Stelling's burst of six for 63 at Bentgate was followed up by a magnificent eight for 38 return against leaders Rishton.

It sends East Lancs into third place and Rishton now face a mighty challenge to their crown from the chasing pack.

Nelson's Aussie professional Joe Scuderi slayed struggling Rawtenstall at Seedhill.

The visitors were reduced to just 41 all put with the rampant Scuderi claiming six for 17 from a devastating ten over spell. Nelson made it home by eight wickets to claim the earliest finish of the day.

Rain affected the Saturday programme. No play was possible at either Lowerhouse or Enfield.

Colne opener Darryl Halstead and professional Ben Johnson re-wrote the Horsfield record books with a club record stand of 156 for the first wicket against Lowerhouse.

It smashed a Colne record which had stood for 30 years and was the foundation for victory over Lowerhouse.

Barnoldswick are the new Ribblesdale League leaders after a thrilling victory over Blackburn Northern.

Big-hitting James Peterson bagged 70 in Barnoldswick's 175-7 and Northern were only 10 short of their taget at the the close.

Read lost their top-of-the-table spot, beaten by Great Harwood scoring 59 not out. Earby now share second spot with Read after as Jonathan Harvey scored 58 and landed five for 62 in a nine-run victory over Clitheroe.

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