LOWERHOUSE put one hand on the Foster’s Lancashire League title as they blew their closest rivals Ramsbottom away on a super Saturday.

Charlie Cottam’s men knew a win over a side who went into the game 12 points behind and who they play on the final game of the season was crucial – and they were at their ruthless best as they made it a sweet 16th league win on the spin to cut their title odds even further.

And the day started so well for the House as Cobus Pienaar cleaned up Tom Parton for a duck in the first over.

Wickets fell regularly with Joey Hawke claiming four of them in a fine spell and despite 26 from Somerset star Peter Trego, who was sub-pro for Rammy, the visitors were shot out for just 70 in 33 overs.

Jonny Whitehead went for 18 as the House replied but Jonathan Finch was a master of calm as he hit an unbeaten 37 to lead his men home by nine wickets with the game finished by a shade after 5.20pm.

Enfield ramped up the pressure on Ramsbottom as they beat Burnley at Dill Hall Lane.

The Worsley Cup winners laboured to 122-9 from their 50 overs as Hassan Fazal claimed 4-22, while there were two wickets each for Ben Dowling and Simon O’Loughlin.

The chase wasn’t plain sailing for Enfield as they lost seven wickets but 42 from Werner Coetsee and an unbeaten 30 from Lewis Wright saw them home.

Nelson professional Ryan Canning made his first ton for the club as he hit 106 not out in a big win over Bacup at Lanehead, while Colne were also celebrating as they edged out East Lancashire by just one run in a thriller as the Blackburn side couldn’t quite get over the line.

Church thumped Rawtenstall after Andrew Bentley’s 6-31 saw the visitors bowled out for 90 and Usman Tariq’s 60 ensured few problems in the chase.

Accrington moved up the table after beating Haslingden by 44 runs at Bentgate with Ockert Erasmus shining as he claimed five wickets for the visitors after Sam Excell’s 57 had helped them beyond 200.

And opening batsman Simon Newbitt made a fine 75 as Todmorden made light work of Rishton to win by eight wickets at Blackburn Road.