Lancashire League Handbook 2015

15 Colne out to secure the title and incredibly the match went to the very last ball but they couldn't manage that final wicket and Nelson won the title having not led the table all season. Captain Chris Heap led the way with the bat making 487 runs and was supported byNick Burtonwith 375 andMalcolmBirks 333. With the ball Steven Eardley took 29 wickets and Elliot Bradley and Sardar Ashgar 20 a piece. This was Nelson's 15th 2nd eleven championship, just one behind Haslingden's 16. The Third Eleven Championship alsowent down to the wire. Nelson led the table at the end of May but by the end of June had been overtaken by Colne who stayed top until the end of July, again fromNelson with Lowerhouse now3rd andwith a game in hand. By the end of August East Lancs had climbed to the top leading Lowerhouse by 3 points but a no result for the leaders and 12 points for Lowerhouse saw a turnaround and going into the last games Lowerhouse now led by 6 points. East Lancs had an earlywin against Enfield, putting themback on top. Lowerhouse made 194 all out against Church but Church dug in and the game went down to the last ball againwith Lowerhouse winning by just 3 runs. In the Worsley Cup, their were first round wins for Burnley, Haslingden, Lowerhouse, Nelson, East Lancashire and Rawtenstall and they were joined in the second round by RamsbottomandTodmorden. Lowerhouse beat East Lancs after being 67 for 6 thanks to a partnership of 86 between Declan Bailey and Chris Bleazard. Another 80 plus partnership between Ryan Canning and Russell Bradley helped Nelson see off Haslingden at Seedhill. Rawtenstall professional Brett Pelser made 86 to help post 220 for 6 at Acre Bottom and despite a fighting 77 from Callum Kay Ramsbottom fell 26 short with another 5 wicket performance from Keith Roscoe the highlight of the visitors bowling. Holders Burnley continued their defence of the Cup chasing 224 at Todmorden with Kristian Garland top scoring on 79 and at 117 for 5 looked to be in trouble but ChairmanMichael Brown stepped up to the plate with an unbeaten 74 to see themhome with 2 overs to spare. In the Semi finals, Burnley hosted Nelson and Rawtenstall were at home to Lowerhouse. Burnley posted a total of 248 for 6 with Daniel Pickup leading the way with 70 and Michael Brown 54. The Nelson reply started well with the openers putting