McMillan on fire as Nelson gain revenge over Burnley

4:11pm Monday 9th June 2008

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NELSON avenged their Worsley Cup defeat at the hands of near neighbours Burnley to score a vital league win and keep them on top of the pile.

But they had to pick themselves up after a poor start after with Danny Kegg and pro Craig McMillan falling early.

But Neil Thompson and Rizwan Hussain came to Nelson's aid, both scoring 49 to help the leaders post with a timely 181-8.

Burnley lost wickets regularly, including that of professional Jeeva Kulatunga for 24, as the Turf Moor outfit were restricted to just 162-9.

Kiwi McMillan was the pick of the bowling with 5-60.

Chasers Accrington kept up the pressure at the top as they scored a five-wicket win over rivals Church.

The Blackburn Road side posted a handy 228-5 with Church pro Niel Brendenkamp weighing in with 57 and Adam Greenwood with 42.

But despite a sticky start, Matt Wilson (44) and pro Roy Silva (77) helped Accrington chase their target. Church's Andrew Bentley took 3-96.

Rawtenstall are also in the chase for the title after seeing off Bacup.

Rawtenstall skipper Andrew Payne top-scored for his side with 57 as his side made 147-9. Bacup pro Chris Harris took 6-57 but it was his opposite number Nathan McCullum who set up the win with his partner in spin Keith Roscoe.

McCullum (7 for 56) and Roscoe (3-66) tore the Bacup batting apart and despite Harris's quick-fire 39, Rawtenstall took the win.

Todmorden are still very much in the hunt as they destroyed Enfield at Dill Hall Lane.

And the win was set up by John Campbell's best amateur bowling figures of the season so far as he took 8-38 to skittle the home side for 88.

And Todmorden pro Gulam Bodi made short work of the total as he blasted an unbeaten 58.

Colne remain at the foot of the table after they were beaten by Lowerhouse thanks to a superb all-round performance from House pro Brendan Drew. The Australian blasted 91 and then took 7-77 as his side won by 136 runs.

East Lancs upset champions Rishton by a single wicket.

The win was set up by Shanan Stewart's 137 not out - including two sixes off the final over off oppsite number Saeed Anwar to snatch the points.

In the other game, Ramsbottom easily saw off Haslingden by nine wickets.

Ramsbottom skipper Simon Read took 5-48 and their sub pro, Wayne Madsen, made 61 not out in an opening stand of 104 with partner Phil Hayes (54) as Ramsbottom coasted home.