THE Worsley Cup lived up to its hype yesterday as once again the most famous knockout competition in league cricket threw up twists and turns and drama as the fans were treated to spectacular games in the sun.

Game of the day was at Rawtenstall where the large crowd was treated to an absolute thriller with exactly 600 runs scored on the day.

Rawtenstall batted first and Vinny Hanson went after the Rishton bowling from the off.

After Sam Kershaw fell cheaply, Hanson and Chris Cook-Martin took the game seemingly away from Rishton with a brilliant stand of 173 for the second wicket.

Even when Cook-Martin departed for 72 the pain didn’t stop for the bowlers as Hanson surged past his previous best of 93 11 years ago and to a remarkable ton.

In the end he fell for 125 – equalling the highest score he made as a junior in the seconds – and with Brett Pelser making 38, Rocky closed on 301-7.

There was drama in the Rishton reply as Hanson was forced off the field with suspected heat stroke as the visitors staged an unlikely victory bid with Nick Payne taking over behind the stumps.

Abdul Biswoodall made 66 and Shaun Wyse 63 as they reached 123-2 and after a mid-innings wobble but Garth Wyse (37) and Paul Clifford (30) took their men to the brink of victory.

The game went down to the final over with Rishton needing nine to win.

Pete Wrathmell kept his nerve and Rawtenstall were through with Rishton on 299-9.

Cobus Pienaar made a century as Lowerhouse beat Accrington in a battle of the big guns.

The South African hit 104 as the House made 209 all out in front of a lively crowd.

Accrington’s reply got off to a measured start but with Ockert Erasmus at the crease they were probably favourites and he played his finest innings since moving from East Lancashire.

He was on 83 when he really tried to force the issue and fell to a magnificent Matt Walker catch and despite a late flurry Accrington fell eight short.

Nelson’s game with Church was another thriller as the hosts completed a league and cup double over Craig Fergusson’s men.

Ryan Canning made 68 not out and Tyler McGladdery his 54 as Nelson posted 213-5 but that seemed nowhere near enough as Levi Wolfenden launched an assault on the bowling.

He was brilliant and Church were 170-2 and well on their way to round two. But he fell for 96 – and Nelson turned the screw with Church sliding to 202 all out in another tight finish.

East Lancashire and Enfield served up another edge of the seat encounter.

Sub-pro George Linde of Darwen made 38 and Mini Bhada 44, while Nick Turner’s late 38 not out helped East Lancs post 213 from their 50 overs.

Enfield’s reply was solid with Lewis Wright top scoring with 39 and Kieran Demaine making 38 but Linde turned the screw to claim four wickets as ths visitors were 190 all out.

Brenton Parchment claimed five wickets and hit 70 not out as last year’s runners-up Haslingden marched past Bacup, despite Matt Thompson’s 56 helping them up to 158 all out.

Cup holders Burnley put their horrific league form behind them with a comprehensive win over Colne at Turf Moor.

Jhangir Liaqat was the destroyer-in-chief as he claimed 4-15 from 8.3 overs while Chris Holt picked up 3-18 as Colne were bowled out for 141 despite 60 from pro Ali Azmat.

Burnley were in no mood to hang around and David Brown clubbed 82 from 44 balls with Jon Clare making 33 not out as they dashed over the line inside 18 overs .