RISHTON are reeling from two disastrous defeats which leaves them well off the pace in the E W Cartons Lancashire Cricket League.

The defending champions' hopes of claiming their third successive title suffered an early season blow after going down against Todmorden and Burnley.

Church enjoyed double delight beating Rawtenstall on Saturday (May 3) then leaders East Lancs the following day.

Craig Ferguson was the hero for Church - the 14-year-old's battling 39 guiding the Blackburn Road side to victory.

East Lancs still head the table thanks to a convincing win against Colne on Saturday (May 3) with Phil Mooney destroying the visitors with five wickets.

Accrington continued their win-one-lose-one start to the season when they bounced back from defeat against Haslingden to beat Bacup with professional Nathan Astle hitting a match-winning 81.

And Enfield enjoyed mixed success when victory at Burnley on Saturday (May 3) was followed up with a run rate defeat against Rawtenstall.

Saturday: Ramsbottom 124/9, Lowerhouse 182/9 (4); Nelson 123, Bacup 125/2 (5); East Lancs 100/4 (5), Colne 98; Todmorden 162/6 (4), Rishton 161/7; Burnley 158/9, Enfield 161/3 (4); Accrington 138, Haslingden 142/6 (5); Rawtenstall 155/8, Church 158/4 (4).

Sunday: Rishton 136, Burnley 137/3 (5); Bacup 169/7; Accrington 134/4 (4); Colne 105/5 (5), Ramsbottom 127; Enfield 78, Rawtenstall 72/2 (5); Haslingden 230/4 (4), Nelson 167/5; Lowerhouse 71/2 (5), Todmorden 74; Church 148/9 (4), East Lancs 166/8.

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