RAWTENSTALL are propping up the Lancashire League after suffering a dreadful day at Nelson - and to make matters worse, the Valley men were hit by injuries to skipper Vinny Hanson and professional Andy Payne.

Wicketkeeper Hanson was unable to bat after hurting an ankle while fielding as Nelson racked-up 265-5, thanks in the main to a century from sub-pro Glen Batticciotto.

The Italian Aussie, who is professional for Northern League outfit Netherfield, scored his third ton in as many games on hire to the Seedhillites.

Already down to 10 batsmen, Rawtenstall’s plight worsened when Payne was struck on the arm and forced to retire hurt.

But Hanson allayed any fears of serious injury and said: “Payney had one pop onto his elbow and I just turned my ankle but we will both be fine next weekend.”

The nine men were bowled out for just 65 in the end with Batticciotto claiming three wickets for frugal figures.

Nelson innings
NS Thompson c Shafiq b Payne 26
SM Lemon c Payne b Shafiq 3
Batticciotto c R’more b Riley 102
DA Crotty c Rushmore b Shafiq 37
K Nazir b Riley 8
TA Lord not out 24
SR Lemon not out 31
Extras 34
Total (5 wickets) 265

Shafiq 8 1 38 2, Rushmore 4 0 20 0, Bulcock 3 0 8 0, Payne 8 0 27 1, Ali 9 2 36 0, Riley 9 0 64 2, Clough 9 0 54 0

Rawtenstall innings
Payne retired hurt 1
RM Shafiq c Tillotson b Halstead 8
T Bulcock c Lord b Batticciotto 0
J Rushmore c Tillotson b B’ciotto 0
AJ Clough b Halstead 2
M Kershaw b Batticciotto 6
S Wylie c Lawton b Nazir 4
AE Riley not out 21
A Ali c Tillotson b Nazir 0
M Barnes c SR Lemon b Nazir 14
PV Hanson absent hurt
Extras 9
Total (all out) 65

Halstead 10 2 24 2, Batticciotto 7 3 7 3, Nazir 4.2 0 10 3, Kegg 2 0 22 0

Nelson won by 200 runs. Nelson 12pts, Rawtenstall 0pts.