Good day at office for Enfield new boy Brent

12:04pm Monday 30th June 2008

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GARY Brent enjoyed a dream Lancashire League debut as Enfield beat Haslingden at Bentgate.

The Zimbabwean professional, a replacement for Brandon Hiini, tore the home side apart with a devastating spell of bowling.

Brent claimed seven for 48 during an unbroken 23-over spell to skittle Haslingden out for 126.

His haul included the prized scalp of fellow pro David Bandy, who failed to get off the mark.

He then scored an unbeaten 40 to see his side home with a wicket to spare.

Leaders Rawtenstall fell to a shock defeat at Todmorden in the most dramatic of circumstances.

Chris Cook-Martin was in inspirational form for the Valley side, scoring 105 from 142 balls. His innings included 11 fours and a six.

But that knock was not enough as the home side sneaked it by a single run.

Todmorden had earlier set a target of 195 for nine, with Simon Newbitt top scoring with 66. Rawtenstall professional Nathan McCullum added five more wickets to his season’s tally.

The visitors needed just four runs for victory when Cook-Martin’s wicket fell following his century contribution.

But they ended just a run short as Andrew Sutcliffe took the final wicket, trapping Afrus Ali leg before.

Accrington closed the gap on the leaders to just five points after claiming maximum points against rock-bottom Colne.

Graeme Sneddon grabbed a half-century as Accrington put a commanding 192 on the board.

The visitors never looked like troubling that score, especially when pro Blake Snijman went for 43.

Nelson remain in the title race thanks to a six-wicket performance from Craig McMillan.

The Kiwi put Church back in the pavilion for just 94.

Nelson struggled in reply, but Neil Thompson and David Crotty dug deep to see their side home with three wickets to spare.

Fourth-placed Ramsbottom claimed 10 points with a hard-fought victory at Rishton.

Saaed Anwar was the man in form for the home side, smashing 10 fours and a six on his way to 86. That knock helped his side to 193 for eight.

In reply, David Bell chalked up a half-century, and was well supported by Phil Hayes as the Rams got home with a couple of overs to spare.

Lowerhouse continued their good run of form, hammering East Lancs by 93 runs.

Hassan Khan (64) provided the backbone of the innings for the House, as they put up 196.

And the four-pronged attack of Brendan Drew, Joe Hawke, Paddy Martin and Will Driver ripped through the visiting line-up.

Matt Thompson made a half-century as Bacup beat Burnley by five wickets.