CHRIS Holt bowled the Lancashire League title race wide open last night as Rishton rocked leaders Lowerhouse in a thriller.

Padiham pro Holt, filling in for Rishton, claimed 5-76 from 24 overs as his temporary side won by one run.

Young Ali Sartaj was also a hero as he took three crucial wickets, including that of veteran Chris Bleazard for 58, as Jimmy Bibby’s men claimed their fourth win of the season to move off the bottom.

Abdul Biswoodall hit 77 for Rishton as they were 172 all out but the House seemed on course when Francois Haasbroek (55) was at the crease.

They needed 26 with five wickets in hand – but collapsed to 171 all out as Rishton celebrated a memorable win.

Accrington moved up to second after a comprehensive win over Nelson at Seedhill.

Last time the sides met Nelson sub-pro Kashif Siddique was the hero with five wickets and a 50. But he was run out for seven as Nelson were 146-8 with Ashar Zaidi, below, claiming 6-51.

That wasn’t enough as Accy stepped up their hunt for glory with Zaidi finishing 74 not out.

Defending champions Rams-bottom are determined not to give up their crown without a fight – and ended a run of four league losses in some style as they crushed Rawtenstall.

A fortnight after the sides shared 616 runs for the loss of just eight wickets in a record breaking game they clashed again – and it could not have been any more different.

Rammy were shot out for 128 with only Shanan Stewart (57) and Jon Fielding (28) stemming the tide against Keith Roscoe, who claimed 6-52.

But with Fielding wheeling his way to 7-17 from 11.2 overs, Rawtenstall were rolled for just 44 with only Andrew Payne (17) managing double figures.

Todmorden lost their second place after being well beaten by Church.

Muhammad Jamil and Saeed Anwar claimed four wickets each as Tod were 123 all out with Andrew Sutcliffe’s patient 53 the only real resistance.

Anwar then hit an unbeaten 57 and Adam Greenwood made 34 not out as Church cantered home.

Bacup beat Haslingden by seven wickets at Lanehead, while Enfield sent Colne to the foot of the table thanks to a dramatic one-wicket win. But as Colne sunk to the bottom, wicketkeeper Sam Tillotson put himself into pole position for the Lancashire Telegraph Tankard by claiming six victims.

Qasim Ali made 95 as Burnley posted 183-9 – but John Turner made 76 to lead East Lancs home.