RISHTON chairman Alan Craven praised his side after lifting the Lancashire League title.

The Blackburn Road club won their first title since 1996 after beating Lowerhouse on Saturday to get the four points they needed to be crowned the new champions.

And the club's chairman was overjoyed that Andy Bartley and his men got their rewards for a great season.

He said: "At the start of the season, no-one gave us a chance after losing Peter Sleep and Richard Rostron but we just gelled as a team.

"The pro's been a big influence and it's been a complete team effort.

"There's been nobody totally outstanding. They've all done their bit when they've needed to, which has been brilliant.

He added: "There's been a lot better team spirit this season than there has been in past seasons. We've also had to mix and match right from day one.

"We've haven't actually had a regular eleven out.

"We've probably had about nine regulars but we've had to mix and match with the other two but fortunately we've got the calibre players to do it.

"In total, I think we've used 21 players from the start of the season but everyone of them has done their bit, which is what you need.

"A lot of people never gave us a chance but we had a good start and that's probably what set us rolling.

"We've won more games than anyone else so we're entitled to win it."

Paid man Saeed Anwar Jnr was right at the forefront of Rishton's charge and Mr Craven was full of praise for the Pakistani star - who will be returning to Rishton next season.

Mr Craven added: "The pro has such a really nice way about him.

"He never shouts but he will tell them what he thinks and they've taken his advice and the result is we've won the championship."

Anwar was again the inspiration against Lowerhouse, hitting six fours and a six on his way to a blistering 78.

Chasing a target of 199 for five, Lowerhouse found Anwar on form with the ball too.

He took five for 69 to leave the visitors well short, prompting huge celebrations among the Rishton fans.

Elsewhere on Saturday, last year's champions Burnley saw Jonathon Harvey sign off in style as they beat East Lancs by 15 runs.

Harvey smashed 68, but he was overshadowed by young Vishal Tripathi - who already has two league titles to his name - after he scored his first century of the season.

Ruvin Peiris, the Church professional, was the highest scorer of the day, his knock of 128 enough to see off Todmorden and maintain the Hyndburn side's late charge.

Paul Gallagher hit his best of the season - an unbeaten 79 - as Bacup beat Haslingden by three wickets.

Nelson thrashed Acc-rington by eight wickets in the clash of league's strugglers, with six Accrington players failing to score a single run.