STUART Maher made a swashbuckling maiden half century batting at number 11 – but Great Harwood’s woes continued at Padiham.

Maher’s stunning innings, a blistering knock of 50 from just 44 balls in a last wicket stand on 55, was one of the many big hitting highlights.

A fortnight ago Padiham blasted Great Harwood for a huge 381-5 at the Arbories in the Ramsbottom Cup with Kashif Siddique making 185.

For the rapid rematch in the league, Harwood were intent on revenge – and were also desperate for only their second win of the season.

But they were soon in trouble as Umar Saddique and Abdul Saddique bowled well in the early stages.

And after an early double blow, professional Raouf Akbar fell to a stunning catch from Naveed Ashraf in the gully. That left Harwood on 15-3 and in deep trouble.

But Allan Armer batted well to make 35 before top edging to a short extra cover boundary and it seemed the 2008 league champions and last year’s runners-up would be out in double quick time as wickets fell regularly.

They edged just beyond 100 when the ninth wicket fell and Maher strode to the crease – and he was brilliant.

His knock was a beauty and, while including two giant sixes, was largely restrained and just what his side needed.

And his square cut for four to reach his first 50 was arguably the shot of the day.

But when he was last man out, 157, while being much better than it could have been, never seemed enough as Umar Saddique claimed the bowling honours with 5-64.

Harwood put Siddique down early – just as they did in the cup tie – but he wasn’t at his brutal best.

Instead it was John Bushell seeing Padiham home with an unbeaten 52.

Great Harwood

P Allen ct Shirtcliffe b U Saddique 10
I Haworth b A Saddique 5
J Crabtree ct Kelly b U Saddique 19
Akbar b Ashraf b U Saddique 0
A Armer ct Anderson b A Saddique 35
M Howarth ct Kelly b Siddique 8
P Swanney ct and b U Saddique 0
J Kayley b U Saddique 9
R Townsend b Siddique 4
I Littlefair not out 5
S Maher b Siddique 50
Extras 13
Total (for ten) 157
A Saddique 11 2 47 2, U Saddique 18 1 64 5, Siddique 15.1 4 36 3.

Padiham

K Siddique ct Armer b Maher 37
A Saddique not out 41
U Saddique b Akbar 4
J Bushell not out 52
Extras 23
Total (2 wickets) 158
Akbar 11 1 67 1, S Maher 6 4 0 33 1, J Kayley 4 0 33 0, I Haworth 2.1 0 12 0, A Armer 2 1 5 0. Padiham won by 8 wickets.