Foster's Lancashire League: House climb off the floor to win derby (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Foster's Lancashire League: House climb off the floor to win derby

7:54am Tuesday 5th June 2012 in Sport By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter

SUPER Lowerhouse picked themselves up from the canvas to make it a magnificent seven wins in the Foster’s Lancashire League this season – but their derby triumph over Burnley was one that tested every inch of their resolve.

The reigning champions have not lost a home league game since Church won at Liverpool Road on August 21, 2010 – but as they slipped to 26-6 that long and proud unbeaten record seemed on the verge of being broken.

However, Lowerhouse have a deep resolve and Chris Bleazard and Fergus Bailey dug in to turn the game around.

Bleazard made 56, one of the finest knocks of his career, and Bailey hit 20 as the House rallied to 143-9 with Cole Hayman claiming 6-40, while Adnan Rasool trousered the other three.

Burnley’s reply began as badly as House’s as they slipped to 20-6 and could not recover, slipping to 67 all out with Francois Haasbroek claiming 5-20 and Fergus Bailey 4-14.

Church did their bit and stay second after their win over Rishton – but they only just got home on a dramatic day.

Daniel Salpietro played a sheet anchor role for 65, Abdul Biswoodall made 34 and Craig Smith hit 26 as Rishton posted 169 all out with Saeed Anwar claiming six wickets on his return to his old club.

He then made 45 and Lloyd Aspin hit 44 as Church seemed to be coasting towards victory – but they both fell to Salpietro and Ali Sartaj claimed four wickets to set up a dramatic finale as the visitors slipped from 100-3 to 142-9.

But last man Sam Tucker rose to the occasion with his highest score since August 2009 as he made 20 not out to see Church home.

Nelson were celebrating as they beat Colne at Seedhill. Pro Shahzaib Hasan made a half-century and David Crotty 35 as Nelson were bowled out for 174 with Shadley van Schalkwyk claiming three wickets and former Nelson skipper Khurram Nazir four.

Colne pro van Schalkwyk then hit 41 in the Colne reply – but received little in the way of support as Hasan returned 5-46 with Richard Meade claiming 4-46 as Colne were 94 all out.

Ramsbottom beat Bacup. Richard Rothwell top scored in Rammy’s 172 all out but Jon Fielding claimed 6-60 as Bacup were 133 out as Rammy claimed a win that takes them into fourth spot in the table.

Enfield professional Werner Coetsee claimed 7-23 and then top scored with 32 as his side crushed Accrington. Coetsee’s spin saw Accrington subside to 76 all out before Enfield raced home.

Lewis McIntosh picked up 5-7 from 10.5 overs as Haslingden claimed the bragging rights over Rawtenstall.

McIntosh and Gary Sudworth (4-14) helped demolish Rawtenstall for 79 before Graham Knowles hit 35 as Haslingden got home by five wickets.

Mini Bhada made another half-century as East Lancashire’s impressive run continued. They stunned Todmorden at Centre Vale with Bhada hitting 57 out of 178-9 with other substantial contributions coming from David Pearson (42) and Paul Kelly (33).

Todmorden never got into the hunt and with captain and professional Ockert Erasmus claiming 3-7 from 11 overs, East Lancs had the advantage as Tod were 85 all out.

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