BRILLIANT Ashar Zaidi turned in another majestic display as Accrington marched on in the Twenty20 on Friday night and kept their Group A qualification hopes alive with a big win over Church.
Zaidi crashed 69 as Accrington racked up 142-6 from their 20 overs as the runs flowed at West End.
Church were always off the pace as they replied despite 25 from Levi Wolfenden – and Zaidi claimed 3-21 from his four overs with David Ormerod collecting 3-22 as Accrington bowled the home side out for 128.
They now play Enfield on Friday with the winners having a real chance of progress after Adam Bracewell’s side ended East Lancashire’s interest in this year's competition.
Skipper Mark Bolton (21) was the only man to make double figures for East Lancs as they were 77-9 from their 20 overs before pro Werner Coetsee hit 32 not out as Enfield raced home.
Todmorden professional Qaiser Abbas hit 70 as Todmorden posted 157-6 against Lowerhouse despite a fine bowling show from Francois Haasbroek, who claimed 4-22.
Jon Finch (34) and Fergus Bailey (27) did their best for Lowerhouse – but they fell short in the end.
Luke Woodcock claimed 3-16 from four overs as Nelson bowled Colne out for 98 at The Horsfield.
Nelson now entertain Todmorden on Friday to decide who will be Group C winners.
Pace bowler Andy Hakin enjoyed a remarkable time for Ramsbottom as the holders beat Haslingden.
Hakin, who is back in the Rammy frame after an ankle injury, claimed four wickets in five balls including a hat-trick as Rammy took a big step towards the last four.
It was the second hat-trick of Hakin’s career after one in the Craven League for Pendle Forest.
Hakin claimed 4-26 with Lee Ingham, Phill Hayes and Mo Imtiaz his hat-trick victims, as Haslingden were 103 all out.
Jack McGregor smashed an unbeaten 77 a day after his 21st birthday as Bacup beat Edenfield by nine wickets at Gincroft Lane.
Chasing 146-7, McGregor and Tim Farragher (29 not out) guided Bacup home with two overs left.
Group A
Team Played Points
Church 4 9
Accrington 3 6
Enfield 3 6
East Lancashire 3 3
Rishton 3 0.
Group B
Team Played Points
Ramsbottom 3 9
Rawtenstall 3 6
Bacup 3 6
Edenfield 4 3
Haslingden 3 0.
Group C
Team Played Points
Nelson 3 9
Todmorden 3 9
Lowerhouse 3 3
Burnley 3 3
Colne 4 0.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here