Lancashire League: Werner signs on again as Lalor hits the bullseye (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Lancashire League: Werner signs on again as Lalor hits the bullseye

7:41am Monday 27th August 2012 in Cricket

STAR performer Werner Coetsee has put pen-to-paper on a new deal to return as Enfield professional for a third season.

The high class South African has been in glorious form with both bat and ball this year and Enfield go into the final two weeks of the season joint top of the Foster’s Lancashire League with reigning champions Lowerhouse.

And he will look to celebrate his new deal this afternoon when Enfield bid to beat the rain in the big game of the Bank Holiday programme as they head to Centre Vale for the showdown with third-placed Todmorden.

With Lowerhouse in action against second-from-bottom Colne, whose own professional Shadley van Schalkwyk returned home to South Africa last night, the game at Centre Vale is a big one for the Dill Hall Laners.

With Lowerhouse an early weather casualty yesterday as their game at East Lancashire was called off because of flooding at Alexandra Meadows, Enfield sensed the chance to steal a march.

But they suffered their own frustration as their home game with Nelson was eventually called off with the ground ruled unfit despite hours of work from players and volunteers.

Colne’s game with Haslingden was another one called off thanks to the unseasonal weather.

But there was sheer drama at Turf Moor as Burnley tied with Todmorden in one of the games of the season.

Chasing Todmorden’s 25-over total of 141-5, Burnley looked to be dead and buried going into the final over.

But Graham Lalor, who is also a leading local darts player, turned hero for his side as he smashed the last three balls of the match for six to tie the match.

It was breathless stuff as Lalor hit the bullseye, roaring to 37 not out from just 12 balls – and those efforts saw Burnley over an improbable line after top efforts from former captain Steve Brunt (56) and current skipper Bharat Tripathi (36).

The tie was harsh on Todmorden as their professional Qaiser Abbas had earlier made a half century, and then claimed his 200th league wicket as he threatened to put the brakes on Burnley.

But in the end Lalor took a fancy to his spin with his six-hitting spree – including a maximum onto the roof of the David Fishwick Stand – to take a share of the spoils.

The Church v Bacup game was equally as entertaining as the sides waited as long as they could before making a start.

They eventually got a 20-over game going and it was worth the wait as Church professional Saeed Anwar smashed a sensational 114 as his side racked up 192-3.

Bacup sub-pro Dale Deeb suffered in the onslaught as his 10 overs went for 88, while Henry Butcher;s 12 deliveries were smashed for 41 runs.

That target was always likely to be impossible but Tim Farragher gave it his best shot with 46 but Bacup were all out for 148 with Lloyd Aspin claiming six wickets and Anwar picking up the other four to fall.

Rawtenstall and Accrington beat the weather but couldn’t produce a repeat of the run-fest last year’s clash provided.

This time Rawtenstall were restricted to 74-9 from their 20 overs with Matt Kershaw’s 24 the top score.

Andy Greenwood was an early casualty in the reply but 22 from Ashar Zaidi and 20 not out from Matt Wilson saw Accrington home with seven wickets down and five overs and four balls to spare.

Ramsbottom and Rishton managed a 46-over game at Acre Bottom and it was Rishton who were celebrating as Dan Salpietro made 75 and Abdul Biswoodall 50 as they piled up 216-5.

Ali Sartaj then claimed six wickets as Rishton made it a day to remember as Ramsbottom were 150 all out with Jonathan Fielding top scoring with 35.

Comments are closed on this article.