PRE-SEASON favourites East Lancs are living up to their billing after their third consecutive win.

An excellent game at West End saw the visitors pip Lowerhouse with just four balls to spare.

Darryl Redhead was the hero for East Lancs with a superb half century which tilted the balance in a tight match with several fine individual performances.

On a difficult track, Bleazard (63) and Stan Heaton (45) shared a vital stand of 89 as Lowerhouse stepped up the pace from being just 40-2 at the halfway stage to reach 149-4.

Redhead was the East Lancs inspiration against some superb bowling by Corrie Jordaan. In one spell of four overs, he took seven boundaries off Jez Hope. Then Philip Bolton (42 not out) took over to clinch a last-over success.

Ramsbottom made short work of Rishton, after overcoming a tough start, with professional Chris Harris in dominant mood.

On a difficult pitch, Ramsbottom struggled to 34 for two from 20 overs but Rishton, who went into the game with John Seedle injured and unable to bowl, suffered badly for fielding a depleted attack. Sub pro Shahid Nawaz and the two amateurs were blitzed by Harris who hammered 13 fours and three sixes in his magnificent 110.

Rishton never looked like getting anywhere near their target, with Nawaz not lasting long, and Harris added four wickets to his runs as the champions were rolled over for 91.

Aussie master blaster Joe Scuderi returned to Seedhill in triumph to plot Nelson's course to victory.

Sub pro Scuderi blasted an unbeaten 95 as Nelson claimed four points against Church.

The Australian all-rounder was a late sub professional for Alan Dawson, still involved in a domestic cup competition on South Africa.

And it proved a familar sight for the Seedhill faithful as Scuderi hammered the Church bowling attack to all corners of the ground.

Nelson spokesman Derek Metcalfe said: "It was great to see Joe again and, as ever, it was a super knock. "He didn't have any kit because he is currently on holiday in England . We lent him all his gear but it did not effect his batting."

Scuderi was at the crease for over two hours, blasting five sixes and six fours as Nelson clocked up 169-6 in reply to the Church score of 168-6.

Mark Aspin was the mainstay of the Church innings with a wholesome 71 - but Scuderi claimed the prize scalp.

Church pro Brendan Creevey claimed three Nelson wickets, but the result was never in doubt once Scuderi began the chase for home.

Another Australian, James Peterson, enjoyed a run feast as Bacup thundered to a massive 108-run victory over Burnley at Lanehead.

The former Barnoldswick professional smashed his way to 113 not out as Bacup posted a formidable 201. Peterson's innings, which saw him reach his century in 87 balls, included eight fours and three sixes - and he completed a memorable day with the wicket of Burnley's sub professional Rudra Singh. Peter Killelea was also in sparkling form too, supporting Peterson's century with a polished half century.

Burnley were quickly in trouble as they stumbled to a impoverished 62-5 with only skipper Peter Brown, Ian Whitehead and Phil Edmundson reaching double figures as the visitors were skittled out for 93.

Slow, left arm spinner Andy Pooler was the pick of the Bacup bowling with a superb 4-13, including two maidens, from an economic five over spell.

The eagerly anticipated battle of the Aussie flatmates - Brad McNamara of Haslingden and Shane Lee of Enfield - failed to materialise with Great Harwood pro Chris Killen standing in for the injured McNamara.

And Haslingden bounced back from defeat at East Lancs.

Andy Barker and Mark Whelan got the visitors off to a sprightly start. But when Lee skied a Steve Dearden delivery to Jack Simpson, an Enfield collapse was under way. Dearden finished with a splendid five wickets and was also in fine form with the bat, hitting 41.

Stuart Taylor was the mainstay of the Haslingden reply, reaching 57 with the home side always in control.

Colne's all-conquering professional of last year, Ben Johnson, showed he's just as intent on making his mark on the Lancashire League this year with a formidable 89 at Thorneyholme Road.

With seven fours and two sixes, he moved towards 50 in 94 balls and faced 130 before being trapped by Zahir Afzal.

But it was the contribution of Colne captain Gary Hunt with the ball that really swung the game the visitors' way.

He took five wickets, including significantly that of Astle, for a meagre 16 runs in his 10-over spell and that killed Accrington.

Nick Moulding also chipped in with three wickets as Colne eliminated the home team before they could reach three figures.

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