EAST Lancs collected maximum points at Burnley in a thrilling game that they almost threw away.

The league leaders had been bowled out for 92 but then they had Burnley on the ropes at 58-9 and there looked to be only one winner.

But Burnley's final pair of James Anderson (30) and Steven Holden (8 not out) threatened to pull off an amazing win for the Turf Moor side.

They steered Burnley to the brink of victory but on the fifth ball of the final over - needing one for a tie and two for a win - Anderson was run out.

Earlier Burnley professional Anthony Botha had taken 5-33, while veteran Ian Haworth was the pick of the East Lancs bowling with 4-26.

A superb third wicket stand of 189 between Lowerhouse professional Martin Van Jaarsveld and Chris Bleazard blew Rishton away at Liverpool Road.

South African Van Jaarsveld hammered an unbeaten 102 and Bleazard hit 88 as Lowerhouse bludgeoned 216-3.

The rain then affected Rishton's reply and they were then set a reduced target of 152 off 30 overs.

But they could only muster 137-7 as Van Jaarsveld (4-40) and Jez Hope (3-74) struck back with the ball to earn Lowerhouse the spoils.

Haslingden remain hot on East Lancs' heels after a 20-run victory over Bacup at Lanehead.

Patrick Lord and Michael Ingham both scored 42 as the visitors rattled up 181-7 off their full quota of 50 overs.

And that always looked beyond Bacup once professional Brad White had departed for 24. Neil Wilkinson chipped in with 24 late on but it wasn't enough to prevent Haslingden from wrapping up another vital.

Barry Knowles was the pick of the bowlers, picking up three late wickets in a spell of 3-39.

Lancashire's Gary Yates was the star performer as Rawtenstall beat Ramsbottom at Acre Bottom.

Ramsbottom were restricted to 167-6 from their 50 overs with Richard Hevingham 46 and professional Matt Pascoe 33 top scoring.

Chasing a rain-reduced target of 145 off 41 overs sub-professional Yates hit an unbeaten 73 to steer Rawtenstall to victory with more than an over to spare.

An opening stand of 154 from skipper Richard Baigent and Stuart Priestley put Todmorden firmly in the driving seat against struggling Church.

Baigent went on to grab a superb century - 13 fours and a six - but Church made a spirited reply and Alex Holt and Phil Sykes both chipped in with thirties.

But it was left to professional Neil McGarrell to thwart Tod with a fine innings of 81, scored at close on a run a ball and including nine fours and a six.

Nelson looked set for an early finish when they had Accrington in dire trouble at 93-7 chasing a massive 238. But they counted without a magnificent eighth wicket partnership featuring professional Mark Bailey and Danny Greenwood which added 80 priceless runs.

Earlier Duncan Spencer's splendid 89, supported by 58 from Craig Walton and 44 from Paul Garaghty had put Nelson on top.

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