BACUP raced to the top of the Transco Lancashire League on Saturday with a six wicket win over Church.

It was to be a short-lived stay but the Lanehead side are still in with a shout of their first League title since 1960.

David Ormerod and professional Adam Dale once more took charge of the bowling and skittled out the one-time title challengers Church for just 91, on a damp wicket, with their pro Mike Watkinson top scoring with 17.

Bacup opener Peter Thompson made an important 26 before he was run out but middle order batsman Terry Lord came in and, with Bacup needing 54 off their last 10 overs, his unbeaten 27 made sure they secured maximum points -- and that short trip to the top of the pile.

Ramsbottom slipped to second after their game at Todmorden was rained off.

Nelson beat Rawtenstall at Seedhill in a game reduced to 32 overs.

Rawtenstall professional Matthew Mott hit an unbeaten 78 to lead his side to an impressive 141-2.

But Nelson professional Keith Arthurton led his side to victory with just four balls to spare hitting 67 not out.

Accrington raced to an emphatic nine-wicket win at home to Burnley thanks to an excellent all-round performance from professional Tama Canning.

The New Zealander is effectively filling Nathan Astle's boots as he claimed 8-46 on a helpful pitch as Burnley were shot out for just 98. Professional Geoff Foley's run of three successive centuries ended with an unfortunate duck when he was caught off the middle of the bat to a catch that lodged itself in the midriff of short-leg.

Only David Brown offered any resistance with 33 and with the threat of rain looming Accrington raced to their target inside 17 overs. Canning hit 46 before falling with the score on 77 but Mus Ahmed carried his bat with 45 to guarantee maximum points.

Elsewhere the games were hit by the weather.

East Lancs restricted Haslingden to 127-7 at Bengate as professional Claude Henderson took 5-55.

But East Lancs reply was washed out after nine overs when they were 37-0.

Rishton's substitute professional Chris Schofield hit 80 but rain ruined any prospect of a finish at Blackburn Road with title hopefuls Colne well set in pursuit.

Richard Rostron also made 33 as Rishton reached 166 with Nick Moulding taking 6-37.

But that looked within Colne's reach as they got to 65 without loss, professional Ben Johnson unbeaten on 39, when the weather intervened.

At Lowerhouse there wasn't a ball bowled as rain wrecked their clash with Enfield.