A MAGNIFICENT century by John Bushell helped Lowerhouse to victory at Rawtenstall in the EW Cartons Lancashire League.

The opener made 127 not out in a total of 234-2 as the side set what proved to be an overwhelming target. In-form Chris Bleazard provided good support with a fine 57.

With Corrie Jordaan in good form, Rawtenstall were always going to be struggling, and the bowler took 5-27 as the home side slumped to 123 all out.

Pro Dale Berkenstein's 46 helped Burnley to a win in a close game with Todmorden. The Turf Moor team made 177, which looked as though it may not have been enough as Todmorden made good progress. They reached 142-2 with nine overs remaining.

But Kamran Farooq, with four wickets, led the fightback and the Centre Vale side collapsed to 168 all out.

Nelson were another team to suffer a batting collapse as they were beaten by Ramsbottom, who largely had pro Chris Harris to thank for the win. He scored 104 against some tight Nelson bowling and then took 4-38 as Nelson fell short on143. Paul Garaghty top scored with 63.

In the Worsley Cup matches there was joy for Burnley and misery for Nelson as they battled for semi-final places.

Batting first in their match against Lowerhouse, Burnley made 187 as captain Peter Brown, opening, hit 47 and Berkenstein made 65. Jordaan took 5-74 for Lowerhouse, who, in reply, had a solid start with openers Nick Hope and John Bushell both making it into the 20s before getting out. Number three Bleazard's half-century, though, was the last innings of any note as Lowerhouse got bogged down and could only manage 147. Farooq took 3-34.

Nelson's Alan Dawson made 100 from 63 balls as he bravely sought to chase a massive Haslingden total. There were boundaries galore in the Rossendale side's 279 and Nelson could only reach 217 in reply.

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