THE Lancashire League’s form teams collide tonight in a winner takes all Twenty20 showdown as the final round of fixtures throws up some gigantic clashes.
Qualification from all three groups is still up for grabs – but most eyes will be turned towards Seedhill where Nelson and Todmorden collide in a heavyweight clash in Group C.
Tom Lord’s Nelson are in fine form and have won 10 games on the spin in all competitions since their season got off to a shocking start with five straight losses.
That run has seen Nelson shoot up the league table – and is only bettered by Todmorden’s efforts.
Andrew Sutcliffe’s men have won 12 on the bounce but go into the group decider in second place behind Nelson, whose net run rate of 2.100 could well see them into the last four even if they are beaten.
Neither Lowerhouse or Burnley can make the last-four – but their derby at Turf Moor will offer fireworks as the House go for a third straight win over their cross-town rivals following their double derby winning weekend.
Burnley pro Imad Wasim in away playing in a T20 tournament in Pakistan so Bharat Tripathi fills in.
Rawtenstall are without skipper Vinny Hanson as they look to beat Group B leaders Ramsbottom in order to qualify, while Bacup must drastically improve their run rate in the clash with Haslingden to have any chance.
Church top Group A but have completed their fixtures and that means the door is open for Accrington or Enfield, who meet at Thorneyholme Road with the winners having an excellent chance of topping the table.
Accrington are without Graham Lloyd but Andy Greenwood returns and veteran Damian Clarke plays his first game of the season, while Saggi Hussain replaces Zahir Afzal in the Enfield team.
In the dead rubber, Rishton borrow Padiham pro Chris Holt for the clash with East Lancashire.
Fixtures
Group A: Accrington v Enfield, Rishton v East Lancashire.
Group B: Haslingden v Bacup, Rawtenstall v Ramsbottom.
Group C: Burnley v Lowerhouse, Nelson v Todmorden.
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