Leaders steal a march on challengers

Littleborough's trip to Burnley, Clitheroe's hosting of Darwen, Haslingden's home match against Todmorden and, perhaps most significantly, Ramsbottom's clash against Norden at Acre Bottom all fell by the wayside with each team taking five points.

- RICHARD PARTINGTON

Norden's inaction allowed leaders Lowerhouse to open up the gap at the top of the table as their game against Rochdale at Redbrook got the go ahead.

Rochdale captain Oli Makin won the toss and opted to field first, the skipper going on to take 5-46 as Lowerhouse made 138-8 from their 28 overs, J Whitehead, 42, and H Cottam, 32, doing most of the damage with the bat.