RISING star Tyler McGladdery wrote his name into the pages of Nelson’s history as he became the headline act of Saturday’s Foster’s Lancashire League programme with an innings to remember.
The 17-year-old, who has already developed a reputation as one of the league’s rising stars, was quite magnificent against Todmorden and the pace of Australian Big Bash star Michael Neser at Seedhill.
McGladdery made 151 – the highest score made by a Nelson amateur – as he took the attack to Todmorden.
When he became only the third 17-year-old to reach three figures in a Lancashire League game Nelson were only on 152 and he shared a stand of 176 with the in-form Toxy Hussian, who hit 67.
McGladdery finally fell for 151 as Nelson piled up 289-5 from their 50 overs. Rain interrupted the Todmorden reply and saw their target reduced to a still daunting 263 – and they fell short despite the efforts of Neser, who made a fine 122 not out.
Lowerhouse opened up a 10-point gap at the top as they beat Bacup while Ramsbottom were slipping to defeat at East Lancashire.
Ramsbottom were well on course to chase East Lancashire’s 194-8 and were well set on 116-2 with 17 overs remaining when the rain came down leaving them 29 runs short on the calculations with Darryn Smit (35) and Callum Kaye (30) the frustrated batsmen.
Earlier Matthew Kleinveldt’s half century and 48 from David Pearson had helped East Lancashire post their total.
Lowerhouse crushed Bacup at Lanehead. Paddy Martin claimed four wickets and Jonathan Finch three as Bacup were rolled over for just 133.
The title favourites then strolled home in double quick time thanks to 52 from Ben Heap and 41 from Jonny Whitehead.
Enfield ensured the title race is anything but a two-horse race as they beat Church by three wickets.
And the win was also a special occasion for Ben Dowling who claimed a hat-trick with the final three wickets to fall as Church slipped to 138 all out.
Andrew Bentley’s four wickets for Church kept them in the game but Joe Wrigley and Hasan Fazal’s 33-run stand for the eighth wicket saw them over the line.
Graham Lloyd hit a stunning 95 not out in just 50 balls as Accrington beat Rishton.
The former Lancashire man led the way on a day when all the batsmen contributed in a score of 252-6 before Ockert Erasms reeled in five wickets with Rishton rolled out for 129.
Burnley beat Rawtenstall although defeat was a tad harsh on Rocky who were well set in their chase when the heavens opened – but victory was sweet for Burnley’s Dan Pickup, who made a fine 108 to help the home side post 196-5.
And Colne beat Haslingden at Bentgate with the rain again holding sway.
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