RAWTENSTALL’S top-of-the-table clash against Accrington received top billing before the weekend, but the weather made sure the encounter finished like a damp squib.

The two must do battle again after rain stopped play with the home side on 60-2.

The weather had already delayed the start of the match, with grey clouds circling above the Bacup Road ground.

But when they eventually got started the visitors took an early advantage when Chris Cook-Martin was caught by wicketkeeper Matt Wilson off Roy Silva for just two.

Accrington captain David Ormerod then got in on the action to skittle Rawtenstall pro Nathan McCullum, much to the New Zealander’s disgust.

But, just when Andy Payne appeared to be building a score on 30, the rain came and ended play for the afternoon.

And it was a similar story throughout the rest of East Lancashire, although two more matches did manage to finish.

Over at Blackburn Road, Enfield suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Church, who ran out comfortable winners by nine wickets.

Church professional Neil Bredenkamp picked up a five-wicket haul and stand-in skipper Andy Bentley grabbed three as Enfield stumbled to an innings of just 61.

Rain resulted in a reduced target for the home side – 51 from 35 overs – but they only needed 12 overs to wrap up the victory.

Sagawat Hussain was an early victim at the hands of Keith Barker, but Alec Holt (14 not out) and Bredenkamp (30) was enough to steer them to the win.

And in the only other surviving match of the afternoon, Rishton lost at home at Haslingden.

The visitors had professional David Bandy to thank for his innings of 67, and Bandy proved just as handy with the ball, later taking 3-47.

Steve Dearden added a further 49, captain Graham Knowles 36 and John Pemberton (36 not out) for Haslingden as they posted a total of 219-5.

Again, mother nature intervened, and Rishton’s total was revised to 174 from 29 overs.

Professional Saeed Anwar top scored with 46, but it was in vain as Rishton were restricted to just 104-5.

At Liverpool Road, Lowerhouse made 124-7 against Nelson. Rain meant Nelson had just 12 overs to chase the full total, making 82-7.

East Lancs made 99-5 at Acre Bottom against Ramsbottom, with sub professional Ryan Bailey top scoring on 46.

Bacup set a commanding total of 206-3 against Todmorden at Centre Vale, thanks to a 70 from Chris Harris and 55 from Peter Thompson.

The home side had scored 38 without loss before the rain saw play abandoned.

And at the Horsfield, Burnley skittled Colne for 116 before rain restricted their reply to 51-2.