LOWERHOUSE stayed on top of the Foster’s Lancashire League as they ruined the Bradleys day yesterday – but they saw their lead cut to just one point by Ramsbottom as the title race heats up.

Nelson fielded Michael Bradley alongside sons Lewis, Russell and Elliot in the game at the Neville Gee Recruitment Ground but there was to be no fairytale as Neil Thompson’s men failed to down the new title favourites.

But Nelson denied the House two bonus points and Ramsbottom’s dismissal of Church saw the lead cut on a day when there were two brilliant amateur tons from Simon Newbitt and Chris Burton.

The House rattled up 255-9 with Joey Hawke hitting a late 59 after forties from Jonny Whitehead and Cobius Pienaar and despite 69 from Richard Meade Nelson were well short with nine down.

Ramsbottom remain a big force as they brushed aside Church with another ruthless display at Acre Bottom.

Tom Parton hit 72 and Callum Kay made 63 as Rammy piled on 211-7 from 50 overs and Church never got going in reply as they were bowled out for just 100 with five more wickets for Ramsbottom paid man Darryn Smit.

Burton made a brilliant century as Burnley won again to move off the bottom of the table.

The wicketkeeper hit 111 – his highest score in the league – as Burnley posted 175 all out against Colne with Matthew Clark the destroyer-in-chief as he claimed 5-35 from 13 overs.

Colne had Saeed Anwar playing as sub-pro and as a result that Burnley’s total was anything but daunting.

However Anwar went for a duck – one of four catches for Burton – and despite 35 from Khurram Nazir and late order runs from Andy Hakin (29) and David Wall bank (20) Colne were 152 all out with Chris Holt claiming five wickets against his old club.

And Todmorden’s Newbitt also shone with 106 as his men posted 270 at Bacup. Michael Neser also made 72 before Bacup closed on 184-7.

Enfield made light work of East Lancashire at Dill Hall Lane after a big bowling display made the Blackburn side suffer. John Turner top scored with 31 – but he was outdone by 38 extras with 30 of those wides as Enfield did their opponents cause some good.

Liam Jackson claimed three wickets and 129 all out was never likely to be enough.

Greg Jones top scored with 39 not out and 32 not out from Adam Bracewell ensured there were no panics for Enfield on a routine afternoon.

Haslingden also were easy winners as they demolished Rishton at Blackburn Road after bowling the hosts out for just 88.

Only Ash Patel (17) and Shaun Hutchinson (12) managed double figures as Brenton Parchment claimed 4-15 and Jordan Shannon collected 3-26 for Haslingden.

Phill Hayes and Parchment went cheaply as Haslingden replied but Graham Knowles made 53 not out as they strolled home.

Dean Barlow made 66 as Rawtenstall caused an upset with a win over Accrington.

Barlow – and 58 from Brett Pelser – helped Rocky post 162-8 after they had been reeling at 6-3.

And that was enough as Accrington slipped to 118 all out.