Lancashire League Saturday round-up: Top two in derby joy (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Lancashire League Saturday round-up: Top two in derby joy

8:33am Monday 10th September 2012 in Sport

LOWERHOUSE survived a tough examination of their Foster’s Lancashire League title credentials as they dug deep to beat Nelson to stay in the box seat in the honours hunt on Saturday.

On a day when nerves were frayed, the House stood up to one of their sternest tests as Lancashire man Luke Procter took his County Championship frustration out on the reigning champions.

Procter, filling in as sub pro 24 hours after suffering Red Rose relegation pain, ripped out the Lowerhouse top order at a sun drenched Seedhill as Charlie Cottam’s men were reduced to 67-5.

But Francois Haasbroek (56) and Chris Bleazard (44) shared an 84-run stand for the seventh wicket to give the House a respectable total of 177-8.

When Nelson slipped to 32-3 it seemed as though the House could be on the way to maximum points – but Nelson had other ideas as David Crotty (44) and Lewis Bradley (36) dominated.

They threatened to take their side to a shock win – but in the end the target was too much and even though young Harrison Phelan made an unbeaten 15 Nelson closed on 159-8.

Lloyd Aspin shattered Enfield’s title dreams as he turned in a remarkable bowling display to briefly keep Church hopes alive.

The all-rounder stood tall as the sun shone and claimed 8-25 from 11 outstanding overs as long-time title chasers Enfield were rolled over for 63 in a Hyndburn showdown that turned into a demolition derby.

Aspin was insatiable with four victims clean bowled as he passed 50 for the season, while Sam Tucker trousered four catches on his final appearance at West End with only Asif Fazal (19) and Saggi Hussain (14) making double figures.

It took Church just 9.1 overs to canter home with Saeed Anwar (36 not out) and Sam Holt (25 not out) in a hurry.

Lowerhouse’s win over Nelson ended Church hopes – but Accrington stayed in the hunt after a romp over Rishton.

Jimmy Bibby’s men were shot out for 71 – but that in itself was an achievement given the fact they had slumped to 11-4 and 33-7.

Scott Greaves top scored with 31 as Rishton crumbled in the face of excellent bowling from Ashar Zaidi (5-25) and Jimmy Hayhurst (5-31), while Graham Lloyd claimed the rare outfield feat of five catches.

Zaidi then hit 36 not out as Accrington coasted home with just one wicket down.

Todmorden were winners over Bacup in an excellent game at Lanehead as they triumphed by one run.

Ben Sutcliffe (38), Andrew Sutcliffe (37) and Qaiser Abbas (35) helped Todmorden post 201-8 – but it looked as though the day’s highest score wouldn’t be enough as Jack McGregor showed his class.

The Bacup wicketkeeper carried his bat for exactly 100 – however his side were 200-8 at the close, losing by just one run.

Burnley beat Colne with Adnan Rasool claiming five more victims to move on to 94 for the season as the home side slipped to 125 all out. Burnley had a few wobbles in reply but got home with six wickets down.

Jonathan Fielding’s dreams of 100 wickets for the third season running came to an end – but at least Ramsbottom claimed a win over Rawtenstall.

Fielding was outdone by sub-pro Umar Amin, who claimed 6-24 as Rawtenstall were 66 all out before Ramsbottom strolled home by seven wickets.

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