HASLINGDEN recovered from a terrible start to rout Rishton and break a club record, thanks to a batting blitz by professional Hamish Anthony.

At 27-4, scored at less than two runs an over, Haslingden looked in big trouble.

But Anthony had the answer, slamming a sensational 120 from just 92 balls. His innings included five sixes and 15 fours as he took the Rishton attack apart.

Along with Charlie Lord (39), Anthony put on 135 for the fifth wicket, a Haslingden record, and it helped them to declare at 205-8.

That was far too many for Rishton as they slumped to 58-6. A rain interruption aided their hopes of a draw but they couldn't help themselves, throwing wickets away in cavalier fashion.

The last pair put on an admirable 37 but, needing simply to stay there for a draw, the stand was broken with an easy catch from an attempt to go for an unnecessary big hit.

There was some remarkable scoring at Rawtenstall, with Accrington professional Ryan Campbell leading his team to victory with a wonderful innings of 157 not out - his first century in the Lancashire League.

Accrington had been set a good target by the home side after Keith Arthurton (86) and Peter Hanson (80) had shared an opening stand of 175 in their total of 202-5 declared.

Arthurton hit 11 boundaries and Hanson nine in his first senior half century. When Steve Birtwistle went off injured, former Accrington player Graham Beech went on as sub and took two catches - including a brilliant effort to dismiss Arthurton. Despite the rain reducing their batting time, Accrington romped home with Campbell and Stefan Heins (26) putting on 122 for the first wicket.

The pro reached 50 in 27 balls, a ton in 73 and faced only 98 deliveries in all. His superlative innings included eight sixes and 17 fours.

Duncan Spencer and Chris Walton put on Nelson's first century opening stand in four years to steer the Seedhill club to their second win of the weekend. Chasing Lowerhouse's 136, Spencer (61no) and Walton (48) were in fine form with the bat posting 102 for the first wicket to set up a comfortable nine-wicket win.

Earlier in the day professional Roger Harper (4-63) and Danny Kegg (3-29) bowled superbly to skittle the home side for 136.

The situation would have been even more desperate for Lowerhouse but for Mark Whelan's 47 and some late order heroics from Ryan Hesketh (25).

East Lancs also claimed their second win of the weekend thanks to the bowling efforts of Phil Mooney at Ramsbottom.

Mooney picked up 5-27 as the home side were dismissed for 131 despite a typically gutsy half century from professional Ian Harvey who smashed seven 7 fours in his 64.

Opener Andy Clague (44) and professional Brad Young (61) then made light work of the East Lancs reply as they put on 93 for the second wicket to seal an eight wicket win. Burnley rattled up a massive score against Colne at the Horsfield but it wasn't enough to claim maximum points as the game ended in a stalemate.

A stylish half century from teenage opener Michael Brown (54) enabled Burnley skipper Andy Mcleod to declare an over early on 202-8.

But professional Joe Scuderi was in his most fluent form as the home side mounted their run chase.

The South Australian hammered 10 fours and 4 sixes in a run-a-ball 92 not out but Colne could only muster 154-6, as Burnley's Anthony Botha picked up 3-60 and the game ended in a draw.

Todmorden and Bacup fought out a real nailbiter at Centre Vale.

Brad White's 121-ball 70 had been instrumental in setting the home side 167 for victory after John Barker had helped himself to 4-31.

An opening stand of 52 between Stewart Priestley (50) and Brian Heywood (14) got the home side off to a great start in their run chase.

But David Ormerod (3-57) and Andrew Pooler (3-57) struck back as wickets began to tumble and Todmorden's last pair held on to claim the extra batting bonus points as they finished on 15 short on 152-9 at the close.

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