CHURCH moved back to the top of the Musbury Fabrics Lancashire League - and set a few new records along the way.
Bowler Nick Westwell took 7-42 against Accrington - his second best bowling figures in his 29-year cricket career - to take his tally to the season for 55 and rewrite his record books with a career best.
And skipper Phil Sykes hit 57 and has now celebrated a half century on every Lancashire League ground in his 20 year career
Church now hold a two point lead at the top of the table with five matches remaining - but many of their title challengers have a game in hand.
"It was do or die - we had to beat Accrington," said Westwell. "We showed a lot of character to take the 12 points and win. I am chuffed to bits with the wickets I have taken this season but the most important thing for me was the win."
Westwell works as a cricketing coach at Rossendale Council and spends his time teaching the youngsters although he has been getting some stick as Valley teams Haslingden, Ramsbottom and tomorrow's opponents Bacup are still in with a shout of the crown.
"There has been some banter but others have said it is nice to see Church up there as they have never been up there for as long as I have been at the club. It is like a breath of fresh air."
It is Bacup away tomorrow and then a local derby at home to Rishton on Sunday.
"We need to win both the games this weekend and I will be happy if we are still in the frame when we face Haslingden on August 29.
"Ruven Peiris (the pro) has a steely determination to get us there so we will have to see. We are the underdogs and we are just enjoying it."
Accrington face Burnley on Saturday and then Enfield on Sunday in a local derby while Rishton are at home to Colne on Saturday and Enfield travel to Lowerhouse.
