SOUTH African professional Jacques Rudolph set a new league record as he hit a fifth successive century but it was all in vain.

Having set 229 for the loss of just one wicket Rudolph and his Lowerhouse team-mates were stunned as they slipped to a seven wicket against Haslingden at Bentgate.

Rudolph notched up his unbeaten ton in the final over of the Lowerhouse innings, with Stan Heaton (59) and Chris Bleazard (50 not out) both having given the paid man great support.

However, the impressive total proved to be far from enough as three Haslingden players also made half centuries.

The home side's professional Ian Austin led by example with a fine 77 and Mike Ingham, 58, joined him in an unbroken stand of 117 for the fourth wicket after skipper Paul Blackledge had hit 53.

East Lancs won a low scoring match with Rawtenstall at Alexandra Meadows by 22 runs.

Keith Roscoe claimed 5-30 as the home side were dismissed for 100, but home professional Con De Lange hit back with 5-39 and John Fairless took 3-16 as the visitors were dismissed for 78.

League leaders Bacup beat Rishton at Lanehead by 42 runs.

Former Ramsbottom professional Chris Harris, standing in for the injured Paul Adams, took 5-56 as Bacup were bowled out for 142.

Peter Sleep chipped in with 4-42 and then hit 47, but Shaun Young took 5-44 to dismiss Rishton for 100.

Enfield retained second place after beating Nelson by 88 runs at Seedhill.

Their professional Martin Van Jaarsveld notched 86, Russell Edmonds 84 and Liam Jackson 51 as Enfield realised 260-8.

Lincoln Marshall made 43 and Khurram Nasir 39 for Nelson but the home side fell well short on 172-8.