LEADERS Church made the most of the inactivity of others to stretch their lead at the top of the Musbury Fabrics Lancashire League.

Of the other clubs who can challenge the Blackburn Road side only Nelson managed to play, though they too upped the ante with a comfortable nine wicket win at home to Rishton.

Church's advantage at the top is now 18 points over second placed Ramsbottom after a 30-run victory over bottom of the pile Burnley.

The success was inspired by professional Ruvin Peiris, with the 33-year-old Sri Lankan hitting 72 runs and claiming three wickets.

The Church innings was not without its problems as West Indian professional Kerry Jeremy and Gareth Halley posed problems for the batsmen - each claiming three wickets.

But Peiris and Mark Aspin, who contributed 40 runs, ensured Church reached a respectable 163 for eight.

Burnley had Ben Law and Michael Kelly to thank for the fact they gave their opponents something to worry about in the chase.

Law hit 48 and Kelly 46 from a total of 133 for seven, but Peiris was the main wicket taker with three victims at a cost of 28 runs as the Turf Moor side came up short of the asking rate.

At Seedhill the home side were always in control of a match that was reduced to 30 overs per side.

Rishton struggled but still managed to deny Nelson a maximum return as opener Darren Eccles (34) and Garth Wyse remained unbeaten at the close of the innings in which they set 90 for nine.

The target was easily within reach for Nelson as opener Paul Garaghty took control and he ended up with an unbeaten half century, and Joe Scuderi was not out on 27, as the Seedhill side secured success for the loss of just Chris Heap.

The failure to bowl out Rishton cost Nelson second place in the table - they are now one point behind Ramsbottom.

THE games between Accrington v Lowerhouse, East Lancs v Bacup, Ramsbottom v Enfield, Rawtenstall v Colne and Todmorden v Haslingden were abandoned without play and will be replayed on Saturday, August 28.

FORMER Ramsbottom professional Brad Hodge played an influential part in Leicestershire's 15 run win over Durham at Grace Road.

Hodge, who was paid man at Acre Bottom in 2000 and 2001, hit 46 and led the way for the Foxes as they managed 176 for seven off 39 overs.

Despite the best efforts of Gary Pratt (55no), the Dynamos fell short as the last three men dismissed - Andy Blignaut, Jon Lewis and Liam Plunkett - were all run out.