HOLDERS Todmorden crashed out of the Worsley Cup with barely a whimper as they recorded their worst result in the competition since 1921.

The Centre Vale side were devastated as they lost by an astonishing 144 runs in the quarter-finals to 1999 Cup winners Colne.

The Horsfield side were always in charge after the new opening partnership of Jeff Ellis and Gary Hunt set the ball rolling.

Ellis made a quick-fire 69 including four sixes and five fours, Hunt chipped in with 25 before pro Marcus North did the real damage with 51.

Lower down the order Steve Woods added 49 as Colne set a formidable target of 256-6 in their 50 overs. Richard Baigent seemed like he would get Todmorden off to a reasonable start with a knock of 35 but he had no support.

The whole side fell cheaply including skipper Nigel Hunter (six) and pro Matthew Nicholson (two).

Only lower order batsman David Whitehead showed any kind of resistance with an unbeaten 21 -- but it counted for little as any hopes of retaining the prestigious trophy had been lost long before that.

The hero for Colne was Australian North who took a match-winning 7-3.

Nelson paid the ultimate price for failing to get professional Brad Hodge out with a catch when the Australian was on just 14 runs as Ramsbottom progressed into the semi-finals of the Worsley Cup.

Jonathan Finch's 71 for Nelson was their best batting performance but the side could reach just 126-9, which Ramsbottom caught with 10 overs to spare, Hodge making 48 and Mark Price 40.

Accrington called upon Lancashire pro Jo Scuderi to help their Worsley Cup cause after Australian paid man Tama Canning fell ill with chicken pox.

And the former Nelson paid man will be needed again tonight as they attempt to finish off their game with Burnley at Thorneyholme Road.

Accrington posted 149, top scorer was Adam Greenwood with 39, but the home batsmen were kept quiet by the Turf Moor pro Dale Benkenstein and David Brown who both finished with scores of 4-29.

The duo were at the crease after Accrington had dismissed openers Jonathan Clare (18) and Ian Whitehead (eight) but the South African paid man (17) looks likely to have to carry on alone after Brown (eight) injured his finger yesterday.

They continue on 60-2 although the loss of Brown will be a major blow to Burnley's hopes.

The game between East Lancs and Bacup at Alexandra Meadow will also continue tonight with Bacup poised on 78 for three with professional Shaun Young still in on 55.

Phil Mercer scored 53 with the bat and has taken all three wickets for East Lancs. East Lancs reached 196.