Keith Roscoe spun his way to two more remarkable Foster’s Lancashire League landmarks yesterday – and still shows no signs of slowing down.
The 52-year-old left-arm spinner claimed his 100th five-wicket haul in the league for Rocky as they hammered Colne.
But he also passed the 1,600 wicket mark in the league on yet another special day.
Colne never stood a chance against Roscoe, who claimed 5-31 from 15.4 overs to bowl the visitors out for just 70 at the Worswick Memorial Ground.
Chris Cook-Martin then smashed 43 not out and Dean Barlow was unbeaten on 28 as Rocky raced into the bar early after a 10-wicket win.
At the top, Lowerhouse tightened their grip on the title as they beat Accrington while Enfield closed the gap on second-placed Ramsbottom to just one point after beating Rob Read’s men at Acre Bottom.
Lowerhouse stretched their lead to 31 points and now need one more win from their final three matches to be confirmed as champions.
Charlie Cottam’s men made it 17 wins on the spin as they beat defending champions Accrington at Thorneyholme Road.
Ben Heap made a fine 66 not out as the champions-elect managed to post 183-6 despite good bowling from the Accrington attack.
The home side were in the mood for a fight and despite needing 78 from the final 10 overs with just four wickets left they managed to give Lowerhouse a scare.
But it was too tall an order for Stuart Crabtree’s men, who finished five short.
At Ramsbottom, the pace of Hassan Fazal caused the home side problems as he claimed five wickets to bowl them out for just 127 with sub-pro Saeed Anwar top scoring with 27.
Ben Dowling also picked up three wickets thanks to a fine spell.
Despite the early loss of Greg Jones, Enfield seemed to be well on course with Liam Bedford making 46.
But Jon Fielding sparked a collapse with four wickets – and it was that man Fasal who came to the rescue to hit 23 not out to take Enfield to a three-wicket win.
Phill Hayes made 83 not out and Alex Coleman made 63 as Haslingden piled up 226 at Todmorden.
The pair put on 139 for the sixth wicket and then it was over to Jordan Shannon to claim five wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 205 at Centre Vale.
Church suffered a shock defeat at Burnley as Chris Holt made a fine century at Myprotein Turf Moor.
Holt’s efforts of just 100 helped Burnley to a 57-run win as they continued their fine run.
Bacup’s misery was added to as they were crushed at East Lancashire.
Their 144 all out at Alexandra Meadows seemed respectable enough – but Mark Bolton’s men soared to a nine-wicket win.
Sam Halstead claimed four wickets as Nelson made it the perfect weekend thanks to a win over Rishton as they bowled the visitors out for 134 at Seedhill.
Neil Thompson’s men then cruised to a seven-wicket win.
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