JAMES Peterson's brilliant start to the season continued as his 68 not out helped Bacup to a massive eight wicket victory at Nelson.

Peterson's also grabbed four wickets, reducing struggling Nelson to 123 all out with professional Alan Dawson only managing 12.

Richard Madden's gutsy 50, though, gave the Nelson score respectability.

But it was never enough to deny Bacup who, despite losing early wickets, saw Peterson take control with his half century arriving in 50 balls and an innings which included 13 fours and one six.

Phil Mooney took advantage of difficult conditions at Alexandra Meadows to destroy the Colne batting with 5-13 and snatch five points for East Lancs.

At 80-3, Colne tried to step up a gear but the innings collapsed to 98 all out.

It wasn't easy for East Lancs either. But, after losing valuably early wickets, skipper Mark Lomas chanced his arm and led his team home, unbeaten on 33.

Frans Cronje delivered with both bat and ball to inflict Rishton's first defeat of the weekend at Centre Vale.

The 29-year-old elder brother of South African captain Hanse took three wickets in a 19-over spell before making a resolute and unbeaten stand of 53 not out.

Rishton professional Meyrick Pringle tried earnestly to make up for being out for a duck, taking four wickets.

But Todmorden managed to scramble enough support for Cronje, John Barker producing a solid 25 not out when it was needed.

Michael Brown made a valiant attempt to steer Burnley to a respectable total at Dill Hall Lane but got little support elsewhere from the batting line-up.

Captain Peter Brown was extremely disappointed with the performance and against Rishton the next day they proved they are capable of better.

Gary Barker ate emphatically into the target Enfield were set with a superb 68 before being trapped legf before by Kamran Farooq. Shane Lee - who earlier bowled out Dale Benkenstein with the first ball the Natal captain faced in the Lancashire League - made 35, as did Tariq Khan, as Enfield comfortably met the total.

Chuch professional Brendan Creevey paved the way for a comfortable victory at struggling Rawtenstall.

The hard-hitting Australian smashed 71 not out and picked up four precious wickets as Rawtenstall managed 155-8.

Rawtenstall's hero was number nine batsman Pat Rush, who carried his bat with an unbeaten 54 to give Rawtenstall a modest score to defend.

But it was never going to be enough as Creevey blasted five sixes, reaching his half century in 44 balls for Church to collect four points.

Steve Dearden collected an impressive haul of five wickets and made a solid half century to give Haslingden the decisive edge over Accrington at Thorneyholme Road.

The ex-Ramsbottom player had two maidens in his 12-over spell, conceding just 37 runs and claiming the prize wicket of Nathan Astle.

Veteran Mick Tracey was a useful ally, grabbing four wickets himself as Accrington slumped to 138 all out.

Michael Ingham also made the half century mark and remained not out.

Astle gained revenge in a way, bowling Dearden on 54.

But it was comfortable for the visitors.

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