LOWERHOUSE were knocked out of the Jennings Worsley Cup by Rawtenstall on Sunday after extending their perfect start to the season on Saturday.

Their two-wicket win against Ramsbottom saw them gain another five points and extend their lead at the top of the Marsden Lancashire League to nine points. Jez Hope took 4-56 as Ramsbottom made 160 all out, and Lowerhouse had Gary Moorhouse (42no) and Matt Hope (32) to thank for their total of 161-8.

In Saturday's other matches, Burnley could not defend their total of 132-9 against Enfield, who made 133-6, while Colne fell 62 short of East Lancs' impressive 230-2. Nigel Rimmer's unbeaten 38 came too late to save the Horsfield side, who finished 168-8.

Colne lost again in the cup on Sunday, beaten by Accrington who passed their total of 142 all out (Clark 51no) with three wickets standing.

Burnley crashed out to Bacup after making just 96 all out. Bacup professional Roger Harper hit an unbeaten 59 as his side made 97-3.

And Lowerhouse's winning ways came to an end as Rawtenstall enjoyed a 29-run victory. Chasing 104, Lowerhouse slumped to 74 all out, with only Chris Bleazard (24no) providing resistance.

Barnoldswick, Earby and Read were victorious in their Vaux Ramsbottom Cup first round matches on Saturday, but Padiham suffered defeat at the hands of Great Harwood.

Smith's 58 helped Barnoldswick to 182-9, which, despite a knock of 75 by Pearce, was too much for Cherry Tree, who were 145 all out.

Earby's total of 101-1 was just enough to beat Clitheroe, who fell two runs short in reply. The heroes for Read were Nawaz (109) and Usher (65) who helped set up a 95-run win over Oswaldtwistle, who could only make 149 all out in response to Read's 244-9.

Padiham were well beaten by Great Harwood, who managed 247-7 as three players made half centuries. Padiham were 129 all out.

In the first round of the Vaux Lawrenson Cup Cherry Tree (136) beat Barnoldswick (77) by 59 runs, Clitheroe (185-9) beat Earby (154-8, Watson 55) by 41 runs, and Burnley GSOB 2nd XI (97-3) beat Salesbury 2nd XI (96) by seven wickets.

Rolls Royce 1st XI (24-9, Proud 53, Whalley 58) beat their 2nd XI (44, Parker 7-13) by 197 runs, Burnley Belvedere 1st XI (120) beat their 2nd XI (40) by 80 runs, and Padiham (166, Devon 78) beat Great Harwood by six runs.

Read (171-3, King 53) beat Oswaldtwistle I (168-6) by three runs and Burnley GSOB (160-9, Whitaker 60) beat Salesbury (141) by 19 runs.

In the third division there was a win for Earby and defeats for Barnoldswick, Burnley Blevedere and Read.

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