Lancashire League Round-up (10 May 1999)

10 May 1999

Lancashire League Round-up

Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Australian pace-ace David Saker proved too hot for Colne at Dill Hall Lane as he claimed seven victims to set up Enfield's second victory of the season.

Saker produced a fiery spell of 7-41 to destroy the visitors top order and Liam Jackson chipped in with 3-20 as Colne crumbled to a miserly 68 all out inside 32 overs.

Only opener John Lambert (16) and professional Joe Scuderi (15) reached double figures for the men from The Horsfield.

Enfield looked in trouble, though, as Scuderi hit back to claim three early victims as the home side mounted their run chase.

Saker then went for five and Tofeeq Khan retired hurt with a suspected broken wrist as Andy Barker's men slumped to 34-4.

But Neil Holmes held his nerve to compile an unbeaten 22 to steer the home side to a four wicket victory as they finished on 72-6.

The other six games all failed to produce a result and will be replayed on Saturday, July 17.

Accrington professional Mark Bailey turned in a fine all-round performance against champions Nelson but his team were still on the brink of defeat when the weather saved them.

Bailey took 5-50 from 24 overs as Nelson posted 155-8, with Craig Walton (36) top scorer.

Then the New Zealander had to fight a holding action, finishing unbeaten on 38 as Accrington struggled to 66-7 from 25 overs. Danny Kegg (5-27) was Nelson's bowling star, while Roger Harper had 2-12 from 13 overs.

Nelson only had to bowl another five overs to claim a result, but were thwarted by the weather. Lowerhouse were in a very strong position at Rishton, after an excellent knock of 82 from professional Martin Van Jaarsveld and an unbeaten half-century from Chris Bleazard set them up for a decent total of 199-8.

Rishton struggled to 35-3 in reply but there was time only for 14 overs before the rain intervened.

Burnley bowled themselves into a strong position against East Lancashire at Turf Moor before their attempted victory push was thwarted by the weather.

After a delayed start, East Lancs were restricted to 121-9 from their 39 overs with Khizer Saeed and professional Anthony Botha each picking up three wickets.

East Lancs then struck back with an early blow to leave Burnley on 11-1 when the rain came shortly after 6pm to end any chance of a run-chase.

Todmorden and Church were denied a potentially exciting finish at Centre Vale where Church were chasing the home side's 167-6.

Church were in trouble at 10-2 but recovered to reach 64-2 after 16 overs when rain curtailed their bid.

Todmorden had also been hit early problems despite 45 from skipper Richard Baigent. But David Parker (56 not out) and David Whitehead (46 not out) led an excellent fightback as they guided Todmorden to a useful total.

Rawtenstall looked set fair for an easy win at Acre Bottom on Saturday only to be denied by the rain.

Outstanding bowling from Peter Seal (3-23) put Rawtenstall in the driving seat with the home side struggling, one short of the half century and six batsmen back in the pavilion.

Ramsbottom's big hope of a revival was professional Matthew Pascoe who was unbeaten on 19 when the rain came.

Bacup (13-0) managed only six overs against Haslingden.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)