RAWTENSTALL went back to the top of the Foster’s Lancashire League on a super Saturday as they edged out their local rivals Bacup in an absolute thriller at the Worswick Memorial Ground, while Ramsbottom were crushed by Haslingden in the first part of a derby double header.

Vinny Hanson’s men had to dig deep after being bowled out for just 114 – but the seven run defeat left Bacup deflated with batsman Tim Farragher admitting it was the hardest loss he had suffered in his 15 year Senior League career.

The day had started so well for Bacup as they skittled Rocky in just 28 overs with professional Haseeb Azam claiming 7-41 and wicketkeeper Matt Collinge picking up seven victims with six catches and a stumping.

But the key moment of the game was a 24-run stand for the final Rawtenstall wicket between Dean Barlow and Keith Roscoe – with Barlow finishing with a career best 41 not out.

In reply, Bacup progressed to 76-2 but after Farrager and Azam both departed for 24 the wickets started to fall.

Cameron Holder was the late hero, holding his nerve to claim 2-6 - his best league figures - and when he bowled Sam Sanderson for two, Rocky had picked up a famous win which was celebrated by the traditional celebratory fireworks.

Ramsbottom lost their final five wickets for one run as they were beaten by Haslingden at Acre Bottom.

Alex Coleman’s 46 and 27 each from Connor Reed and Phill Hayes helped Haslingden up to 161-9 with Daryn Smit claiming another five-wicket haul.

Smit then top scored with 36 but the only other man to make double figures was Tom Parton with 26.

Jordan Shannon was the hero with 4-5 from seven overs as Ramsbottom subsided to 92 all out.

Levi Wolfenden hit an unbeaten 64 to send Accrington to a third straight defeat as Church won the Hyndburn derby by seven wickets.

Nelson left Burnley searching for a first win as Toxy Hussain’s quite marvellous 84 not out took top billing.

Hussain’s efforts saw Nelson post 188-7 with Chris Holt claiming three wickets.

Bharat Tripathi top scored with 47 for Burnley who were bowled out for 140.

Lowerhouse piled on the runs at Colne with Ben Heap (49), Matt Walker (37) and Charlie Cottam (34 not out) the main contributors in their mammoth 269-7 at The Horsfield with the hosts bowled out for 114 in reply.

Michael Neser shone with bat and ball as Todmorden beat Enfield at Dill Hall Lane.

The Queensland Bull claimed 4-36 as Enfield were restricted to 164-9 then clattered 54 not out from just 41 balls to ease his men to a seven-wicket win.

Paul Kelly helped East Lancashire beat Rishton at Alexandra Meadows.

At 27-7 East Lancashire were in a world of trouble but Kelly hit 42 and Nick Turner made 29 as they posted 142-9.

At 100-4 Rishton were heading for victory but Matthew Kleinveldt picked up four wickets to bowl the visitors out for 139 as they claimed a three-run win.