RISHTON opened up a 14-point gap at the top of the Lancashire League after a 48-run victory at Bacup.

The visitors racked up 224-8 at Lanehead, with pro Saeed Anwar junior top scoring with 65 and skipper Andy Bartley adding 36.

New Zealand professional Chris Harris was in superb touch, taking 6-94 before firing a superb unbeaten 107 from 120 deliveries, but he was unable to guide his side to victory as the hosts could only manage 176-9.

Anwar, John Seedle and Garth Wyse all took three wickets apiece for Rishton.

East Lancs moved into second position with a four wicket triumph over Rawtenstall, in which pro Shanan Stewart stole the show with an emphatic unbeaten 127.

Stewart's terrific ton, that included eight fours and three sixes, took his side past Rawtenstall's 225-7.

The visitors compiled a formidable total courtesy of a second wicket stand of 116 between Chris Cook-Martin (86) and captain Andy Payne (62).

Enfield slipped to third after being soundly beaten by five wickets at Nelson.

The in-form visitors were skittled out for just 130 at Seedhill, with Brandon Hiini top scoring with 44.

Khurrum Nazir was the star for the home side, taking 4-7 in a productive six-over spell. David Crotty saw Nelson home with an unbeaten knock of 39.

Champions Burnley were back in the winning groove again after overcoming Ramsbottom in a low-scoring affair.

Ramsbottom were shot out for 92 at Turf Moor, with captain Jon Harvey (3-29) and Michael Kelly (3-7) leading the way.

Opener Jonathan Clare top-scored with 26 and Andy McLeod weighed in with an unbeaten 20 as the hosts came through by three wickets.

Colne professional Greg Mail returned to his former stomping ground Church, but ended up a loser.

Church gave themselves a much needed lift, winning by two wickets. Ruvin Peiris was the star for at Blackburn Road, smashing a match-winning 61.

Lowerhouse comfortably brushed aside Haslingden by eight wickets, Matt Hope the main man taking 6-44 for the hosts.

Accrington stay rooted to the foot of the table after losing by nine wickets to Todmorden in another low-scoring affair.