LOWERHOUSE seamer John Russell took a wicket off the final ball of the match to clinch a thrilling tie at Rishton after visiting professional Jacques Rudolph had posted his second successive unbeaten century earlier in the day.

In a fluctuating match, Rishton went into the final over needing 10 to win with two wickets in hand. Usman Janjua hit Russell's first ball for four and then took a single before Graham Lightbown was bowled.

Youngster Shaun Wyse survived a run-out scare from his first delivery but showed admirable composure to flick the next ball off his legs through mid-wicket for four.

That levelled the scores at 240 each but last-man Wyse was trapped in front off the final ball to leave Lowerhouse celebrating the extra two points.

Rudolph had continued his remarkable run of form with an unbeaten 154, his third Transco Lancashire League century of the season and second in as many games after his undefeated 149 the previous Sunday.

The South African faced 151 balls and hit 16 fours and three sixes and to move to 630 league runs for the season.

Martin Van Jaarsveld's 1990 club record of 1,260 could now be in his sights, although Rudolph has little room for error as he misses the last four games of the season because of his Northern Titans commitments.

The pro put on 72 for the first wicket with Stan Heaton and then 97 with Chris Bleazard as Lowerhouse looked to have batted themselves into a winning position.

However, with Russell and Jez Hope having to carry the burden of the bowling because of a side strain to Rudolph and the lack of full fitness for skipper Matt Hope, there was a glimmer of hope for the home side.

And Rishton responded superbly thanks to Russell Whalley, who made a rapid 66 with six fours and three sixes.

When he holed out to deep extra cover to give Jez Hope one of his five victims the balance swung back Lowerhouse's way but Jonathan Dobson (47) and Andrew Proctor (24) got the innings back on track with a 51-run partnership for the seventh-wicket to set up the thrilling finish.