LANCASHIRE's Darren Shadford proved a big hit as substitute professional for Rishton, playing a leading role in their narrow victory over Colne at the Horsfield.

At 47 for six, Rishton were in deep trouble but Shadford (60 not out) and Jimmy Bibby (33) more than doubled the score with a stand of 67 and the champions totalled 131 for seven - Nick Moulding picking up four wickets.

Shadford struck a crucial blow when Colne replied, removing Ben Johnson with the third ball of the innings. The home team recovered to 70 for three and looked set for victory but John Seedle helped turn things round with five wickets and the final Colne batsman fell in the penultimate over, still nine runs short of victory.

Chris Bleazard (54 not out) and professional Corrie Jordaan (5-42) steered Lowerhouse to a convincing win at Enfield, who failed to put up much of a fight.

Jordaan tied up the Enfield batsmen who really struggled and, remarkably, only 12 runs came from the last 10 of their reduced total of 44 overs.

A modest 103 for six proved no problem to Lowerhouse, despite Shane Lee's efforts with the ball. Bleazard saw his team through to an easy win, with good support from Jordaan (25).

Bacup's professional James Peterson continued his blistering start to the Lancashire League campaign as the Australian laid the foundations for a four point victory at Church. Peterson clocked up 46 as Bacup posted 172-7, ably supported by skipper Peter Thompson (31) and Terry Lord (27). Ken Fergusson landed four wickets with professional Berndan Creevey taking 3-82.

While Church made a solid start and reached 62-2 in reply, with opener Alec Holt scoring 41, a middle-order collapse reduced the home side to 139-6.

Number five Dave Catlow rescued his side with an unshakable 58, but he was one of Peterson's three victims as the Bacup pro returned match winning figures of 3-49.

A magnificent century by Nathan Astle laid the foundations for Accrington's success at Turf Moor.

The New Zealander notched up the half century in 41 balls, compiled the second 50 in 37 balls and had faced just 82 balls when finally he was stumped by Michael Brown.

Richard Green, the Lancashire player sub-proing for Dale Benkenstein who has commitments in South Africa, tried to make inroads.

He reached 66 in 92 balls before falling victim to Astle.

Astle had three other wickets in a consummate display by the highly-touted Kiwi.

The games between Ramsbottom and Todmorden and Rawtenstall and Nelson were washed out without a ball bowled.

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