RAMSBOTTOM managed to remain top of the table on Saturday night despite almost becoming the first team to lose to Accrington this season.

A shock looked on the cards in the top v bottom clash when the leaders were reduced to 57-5 chasing Accrington's 133.

But they didn't lose another wicket as Simon Read reached an unbeaten half century in his winning stand with John Harrison, who reached 39 not out.

Earlier, Read had also made an impact with the ball, taking 4-43, while pro Murali Kartik took the other six wickets in the Accrington inings in which Mohsin Ahmed's 30 was the top score.

Lowerhouse got within three points of Ramsbottom at the top after making 251-7 at Church.

The tone was set by opening batsmen Jonathan Finch and Vishal Tripathi, who piled on 137 for the first wicket.

Chris Bleazard then added an ubeaten 44 to take the game away from Church, who could only manage 196 in reply. Mark Aspin top scored with 61.

Pro Nathan Hauritz hit 105 not out as Neslon beat East Lancs by four runs in a dramatic game at Alexandra Meadows.

Paul Gallagher was also in the runs as Bacup notched up another win at Enfield. He made an unbeaten 90 as Bacup chased down the home side's 145-8 for the loss of just three wickets.

Keith Roscoe took five wickets as Rishton were bowled out for 136 by Rawtenstall, who had earlier posted 165.