A DEFIANT knock from stand-in skipper Richard Baigent has left the Lancashire League's match against a Central Lancashire League XI delicately poised at the halfway stage.

The Todmorden opener, who is deputising as captain in place of Nelson's Duncan Spencer, top-scored with 42 as the Lancashire League were crumpled from 122-4 to 166all out in 40 overs at Church last night.

East Lancs' Andy Clague (31) and Bacup's Peter Thompson (29) also offered useful support to help set a challenging total in the 40-over contest.

Andy Shadford, whose brother Darren plays for Lancashire, caused the most damage with the ball, taking 4-12 from his eight overs.

And Baigent will now be hoping the likes of Lowerhouse's Jez Hope and East Lancs' Nasir Iqbal can make a similar impact when they lead his attack as the game resumes tonight.

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