ROGER Harper was the talk of the Marsden BS Lancashire League after a stunning return to action, writes NEIL BRAMWELL.

His nine wicket Saturday haul against Accrington - for just 22 runs off 20 overs - was followed by another five for 45 at home to East Lancs on Sunday.

And that even overshadowed Shawn Flegler's brilliant 159 - a post-war Lowerhouse record - as Accrington were again put to the sword.

Four wins out of four leave the West End men flying high at the top of the table with a six-point lead.

But the shock of the weekend was two defeats for champions Rishton.

Their batting collapsed on Saturday at Burnley after the Turf Moor men weathered the Allan Donald storm to set a 134 target. And it was a similar story on Sunday as John Wharton's men could only set Nelson a target of 116 at Blackburn Road.

The visitors scraped home with nine wickets down, Donald claiming his first five-wicket haul but failing to uproot Daniel Kegg, whose unbeaten 18 was crucial.

Elsewhere, East Lancs pro Billy Stelling was among the wickets, taking seven victims in his side's victory at home to Church.

And Todmorden pro Dan Marsh hit an unbeaten 82 not out as the Yorkshiremen claimed joint second place with Ramsbottom with a victory over Haslingden.

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