BURNLEY maintained their stranglehold at the top of the Lancashire League as defending champions and title rivals Lowerhouse suffered a surprise home defeat.

The league leaders made light work of Todmorden to secure an eight wicket victory at Centre Vale.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The hosts batted first and were bowled out for 116 with Kristian Garland top scoring with an unbeaten 39 while only Ben Pearson (22) and professional Bilawal Bhatti (20) the only other Todmorden players to put up any sort of resistance.

Jhangir Liaqat took 3-23 with Cole Hayman (2-23) and professional Chris Holt (2-27) also among the wickets.

Holt (51 not out) and Vishal Tripathi (64) then knocked off the runs between them as the title favourites closed on 120-2.

A superb 72 from paid man Brett Pelser was the cornerstone of Rawtenstall’s innings as they posted 193-8 - Paddy Martin finishing with 5-65 for Lowerhouse.

In reply, Lowerhouse faltered with Chris Bleazard (29) top scoring as the hosts were bowled out for 165.

Second-placed Ramsbottom enjoyed an 86-run victory over Nelson.

Rammy closed on 201-7 with professional Daryn Smit scoring 86 with Callum Kay (21) and Jon Fielding (33 no) also contributing.

In reply, Nelson were dismissed for 115 with Smit (3023) and Fielding (3-19) doing the damage.

An unbeaten 125 by Adam Bracewell and knocks of 51 from Liam Bedford and 87 not out from Liam Jackson guided Enfield to victory over Rishton.

Rishton pro Kelly Smutts was also among the runs, scoring an unbeaten 106.

Church beat Haslingden by three wickets. Haslingden posted 118-9 with Graham Knowles top scoring for the home team with 30.

Church professional Usman Tariq and Afaq Ali Sartaj claimed four wickets each.

Tariq then crucially carried his bat with an unbeaten 56 to secure victory.

Colne enjoyed a two wicket victory at Bacup.

Bacup were bowled out for 133 as Joel Duerden returned figures of 5-28 and professional Thomas Kaber 4-41. Tim Farragher was Bacup top scorer with 21.

John Lambert (25) and Duerden (23 no) helped Colne reach their target for the loss of eight wickets.

Ockert Erasmus (4-53) and Jacob Clarke (4-51) helped restrict East Lancs to 151-9 before unbeaten knocks by Ali Asham (48) and Keiran Grimshaw (24) guided Accrington to victory.