House back up to second after Thomas Walker heroics

Lowerhouse moved back into second spot in the JW Lees ECB Premier League after a virtuoso performance from Thomas Walker at Littleborough.

He led the visitors to a resounding 67-run victory, scoring a fine 83 and then returning superb bowling figures of 6-54.

Visiting skipper Ben Heap lost the toss and was asked to bat first. It appeared to be a good decision by the hosts as the captain (14) and his opening partner Jonathan Whitehead (16) fell cheaply - both victims of Robert Goodall.

However, that brought Walker and Daniel Salpietro to the crease. They shared 108 for the third wicket until the latter was removed two runs short of his half-century.

Walker’s long vigil at the crease was ended when he nicked Bryce Parsons behind to Jamie Roche. His knock included nine boundaries.

Henri Cottam hit a quick-fire 35 as the visitors closed on 235-6.

Walker then had the hosts in all sorts of trouble as he ripped through the top order, reducing them to 18-3.

Ryan Miskella (49) offered some resistance but when he was bolwed by Toqir Hussain (3-16), the writing was on the wall for Boro.

Walker returned to wrap up the innings as the home side were dismissed for 163 in the final over.

Burnley slipped down the table after they lost to Ramsbottom at Turf Moor.

Some sizeable contributions from Liam Bedford (52), Callum Clarke (59) and Ockert Erasmus (65) helped the hosts post a sizeable 238-4.

However, Jk Fielding (74) and Chirag Khurana (72 not out), coupled with Ben Pearson’s 42 ensured Rammy emerged victorious with six wickets in hand.

In the North West Cricket League, Padiham have the derby bragging rights after they got the better of Read at the Arbories by 19 runs.

Ben Uttley hit 10 fours and one six in his 51-ball 54, while Ben Swindells struck 41 as the home side posted 147 all out. Sehan Weerasinghe took 6-36.

In reply, Read were skittled for 128 despite Joseph Halstead’s 47. Zander van Tonder, Toby Burrows and Oliver Parr all took three wickets each.