FORMER East Lancashire professional Claude Henderson will have more right than most to feel that Sunday's action, or lack of it, was a distinct pain in the neck.

Turning out for Lowerhouse as their substitute professional Henderson, now playing regularly in the London area, was looking set for a tidy score until the rain set in.

Henderson, batting at four in the home clash with Todmorden, was looking in good nick as he raced to 45 not out before the weather stole his thunder.

It had been a nip and tuck affair because, as Henderson had prospered, so had the Tod attack with Matthew Nicholson claiming two victims and a catch before play was halted with the score on 111-5.

In fact Henderson had been making a game of it as the first interuption saw the sides leave the field at 68-3 and when they briefly returned for five overs Lowerhouse had plundered an impressive 43 off the next 30 balls.

A meagre 16.3 overs were bowled in two sessions as Burnley went to league leaders Rishton.

Burnley managed to take their score to 71-3 before play was finally abandoned with both professionals impressing.

Burnley's Dale Benkenstein reached 29 not out, while Rishton's Asutralian Cltinton Perrin returned figues of two wickets for two runs off his five overs, four of which were maidens. At Enfield play came to a close far more abruptly as visitors Rawtenstall were halted having made just 34-1.

Colne were also saved by the weather as Ramsbottom threatened to run riot at Acre Bottom.

A superb second wicket stand of 98 between professional Brad Hodge and opener Tommy Read saw the home side race to 131-1 off 30 overs before the heavens opened.

Hodge led the way with an unbeaten 62 off just 59 balls, which featured seven fours in a game which had been reduced to a 46 over contest but it was all to no avail.

Bacup had also got off to a flyer against Accrington as they wracked up 87-3 off 27 overs with opener Peter Thompson well set on 45 before rain forced the abandonment of their clash.

And to complete a miserable day, Church's game with East Lancs was also abandoned after just 14.5 overs with the home side struggling on 29-2 after a wicket apiece for East Lancs pair Brad Young and Nazir Iqbal.

The full programme will now be replayed on Saturday, July 14, leaving clubs to face the prospect of back-to-back double headers.