COLNE Cricket Club clinched this season's THWAITES EAST LANCASHIRE PREMIER LEAGUE title by nine points . . . even though they lost their final match 8-6 at East Lancs.

Paul Ferguson and Kevin Thompson both recorded 21-11 home wins. Alan Handford won 21-11 for Colne.

Last year's champions, St Andrews, clinched the runners-up spot, despite losing 8-6 at Globe. Gordon Schofield won 21-11 for Globe, Simon Willcocks had a 21-11 win for St Andrews.

Darwen Subs clinched third place following their 12-2 win at St Stephen's with John Bentley winning 21-5. Neil Harvey won 21-5 for the home side.

Great Harwood finished in fourth spot after their 8-6 victory at Turton. Tony Dobson won 21-7 and John Haslam had a 21-9 success for Turton.

Sunnybank finished in fifth position. They lost 10-4 at Edgworth, Lee Blackley won 21-7 for Edgworth with Peter Connolly winning 21-9 for Sunnybank. Haslingden finished their season in mid table, finishing with a 12-2 win at Greenhill. Ian McNeill winning 21-4, Ian Garnett won 21-13 for Greenhill.

Mortfield had a 10-4 win against Rishton Con, David Higginbottom winning 21-8. Graham Roberts won 21-13 for Rishton Con. Farington Con finished their season off with a 12-2 home win over Nelson, Adrian Burke winning 21-10, Geoff Briggs won 21-20 for Nelson.

Clubs are reminded that a delegates meeting will be held this Sunday, October 17 at 11.30am at St Stephen's Conservative Club, Blackburn.

Results: East Lancs 8, Colne Cricket 6; St Stephen's 2, Darwen Subs 12; Edgworth 10, Sunnybank 4; Farington Con 12, Nelson 2; Globe 8, St Andrew's 6; Greenhill 2, Haslingden 12; Turton 6, Great Harwood 8; Mortfield 10, Rishton Con 4.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.