OCKERT Erasmus survived a fall down the pavilion steps to inspire Accrington to a thrilling victory over Haslingden while the Lancashire League title race now looks a two-horse race after fine wins for Burnley and Ramsbottom.

South African Erasmus had been on his way out to bat with his side 33-3 when he tripped down the steps at Bentgate and had to have treatment on his ankle.

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The Accrington professional went out to bat when his side lost their fourth wicket with the score on 79 and proceeded to make what proved to be a match winning 53 which included eight fours.

Ramiz Hussain made 34 and Jon Hayhurst an unbeaten 23 as Accrington were all out for 182.

Matt Griffin took 4-53 for Haslingden who were quickly in trouble in reply as they slipped to 67-6 after fine opening spells by David Ormerod (4-54) and Jimmy Hayhurst (4-37).

A lower-order revival led by Jack Taylor and Alex Marcroft, who put on 91 for the seventh wicket, gave Haslingden hope but in the end they fell eight runs short of victory.

League leaders Burnley and opener Vishal Tripathi continued their fine form as they secured an excellent 82-run victory over Enfield.

Tripathi made 112 from 151 balls including 14 fours and three sixes as his side racked up 209-3.

Enfield were never really in the chase and although skipper Adam Bracewell made 47 from 71 deliveries his side were bowled out for 127 with Cole Hayman taking 4-22.

Ramsbottom remain eight points off the pace in second after a superb away win over defending champions Lowerhouse.

Visiting professional Daryn Smit again proved to be the hero for Ramsbottom as he made 90 not out in a successful chase of the home side’s 183.

It looked as if the home side, whose innings was anchored by Jonny Whitehead’s 63, had done enough despite Smit taking 6-41.

But Ramsbottom took 25 off two overs to leave themselves within touching distance and Smit finished the job and passed 1,000 league runs for the season in the process.

There was another milestone at Church as wicketkeeper Sam Tucker claimed his 500th league victim in his side’s five wicket win over Rawtenstall.

The milestone moment came when Tucker caught Andy Riley off Levi Wolfenden’s bowling.

That came during the visitors’ 123-6 which saw professional Brett Pelser hit 59 not out.

But Church comfortably got home with five wickets to spare with the runs shared around.

Bacup climbed off the foot of the table as they beat Nelson by 69 runs at Lanehead.

Haseeb Azam hit 48 in the home side’s 172 all out and then took 5-36 to pass 50 wickets for the season as Nelson were dismissed for 103.

Nelson conceded 36 extras during their innings with Harrison Phelan taking 3-26 and no-one passed 18 with the bat for the visitors.

Rishton now prop up the table after they lost to Todmorden by six wickets.

The home side were bowled out for 124 with Kelly Mall making 43 and visiting sub pro Mohammad Yasin taking 3-44.

Yasin then made 45 not out to help Todmorden reach their target inside 30 overs.

The day’s other game saw East Lancs beat Colne by three wickets.

Joel Duerden scored 63 not out to anchor Colne’s 179-9 but East Lancs pro JP de Villiers made 73 having earlier taken 4-44 to see the visitors home with four overs to spare.

n The Lancashire League’s Lancashire Telegraph Second XI Cup final between holders East Lancashire and Ramsbottom, which was due to be played yesterday, was called off because of the poor weather.

The final has now been rearranged for Saturday, August 1.

East Lancashire have a chance of the double this season as they are currently second in the table on 143 points, four behind league leaders Todmorden, with 10 matches remaining.

Cup final opponents Ramsbottom are fourth in the table.