STEVE Dearden made a miserable return to his former club as Haslingden were one of six Lancashire League clubs to book their place in the quarter finals of the Lancashire League and Central Lancashire League Knockout Cup.

Jack Simpson's 64 not out was the cornerstone of the Haslingden innings as they posted 109-1 as rain reduced the match to a 19 over clash.

Dearden could only muster seven runs as Radcliffe were skittled for 61 off 12.3 overs, Naeem Elahi returning superb figures of 4-18.

Rain also affected Ramsbottom's match with Bacup at Acre Bottom.

Ramsbottom made 144-8 off 45 overs built on the back of Garfield Moreton's 47 not out as young bowler Steve Crowe picked up 3-24.

A downpour during the tea interval left Bacup needing 84 from 26 overs and they got them in comfortable style, finishing on 84-2 courtesy of quickfire knocks from Brad White (29) and Peter Killelea (26).

Church won on run rate at Blackburn Road after Littleborough made 136-4 off 34 overs.

An unbeaten 38 from Neil McGarrell saw the Lancashire League side finish on 94-3 after being set 93 for victory off 23 overs.

A sparkling 85 not out from professional Vasbert Drakes put Todmorden through to the next round on run rate. Norden had made 220-3 but the Centre Vale side rattled up 153-1 in reply after skipper Richard Baigent also made a half century.

East Lancs just edged out Rawtenstall in a tight encounter at Bacup Road.

Chasing Rawtenstall's 126-7 off 29 overs after Keith Arthurton contributed 42, the Blackburn side made 121-6 in 26 overs with Mark Lomas scoring 56 not out to win on run rate.

Nelson became the sixth Lancashire League club to book their place, as Accrington could only make 110-4 in reply to the home side's 142-8, out of which Paul Garaghty scored 54.

Rishton skipper Russell Whalley made 85 as his side rattled up 214-8 but it was not enough to take them through.

Milnrow were set 153 after 13 overs were lost through rain and despite the early loss of professional Dexter Fitton they managed to get them, finishing on 153-5.

Lowerhouse also crashed out at the hands of Rochdale who made 230-6 thanks to an unbeaten 99 from Western Australian Rob Baker.

They ended up being well beaten, stuttering to 146-8 in reply.

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