ACCRINGTON professional Nishit Shetty is making sure his side get used to the winning habit.

Last season, the club equalled the record for the worst defeats in the season with 24 league losses.

But the Indian pro has hit three centuries in their four completed matches and it is smiles all round at Thorneyholme Road after the gloom of last season.

"I heard they finished bottom last season so I knew it couldn't get any worse," said former Greenmount pro Shetty.

"I will be happy if I get Accrington up to mid-table this season as it will be an improvement.

"And, for me, coming here was a new challenge. The wickets are better, clubs tend to have good covers on them and there are bigger crowds. It is enjoyable, so far."

The 33-year-old certainly announced his arrival on the Lancashire League scene, with a knock of 155 in his opening game after time playing in Hull and in the Bolton League.

"I enjoyed my first game at Accrington - it was a nice way to start. Everything just went my way. I arrived on the Thursday before and they told me to bring the sunshine with me. So I did and I had a memorable first couple of days here."

They got even better with a 173 against Rawtenstall in his third league game and then he hit an 85-ball century against Norden in the Inter League Trophy to steer Accrington through to the next round on Saturday.

Shetty is not one to set himself targets but is well on his way to achieving 1000 runs this season.

"I got 1300 in my first season at Greenmount and in my second I got another 1300 in all competitions so I just want to keep going.

"I have got to take it each match as it comes. My highest number of centuries in a season is eight so it would be nice to improve on that."

He is well on his way to by-passing that especially if his team-mates keep supporting him the way they have so far.

"The captain, Matt Wilson, is a great player and the whole team has worked well with me which I didn't expect them too straight away. They have batted well," said Shetty.

"As well as Matt, Zahir (Afzal) has done well and, this weekend in the Inter League Trophy, Adam Wilson got 53. They are working with me and it makes my job so much easier.

"And on the bowling side David Ormerod has great experience. He is a great asset to any side."

Shetty couldn't add to his tally on Sunday at high fliers Rishton as all the league games were washed out and now will be played on the third and final fixed date in September.

Rishton did bat with Peter Sleep making 65 in their 187-6 but the rain halted proceedings - and wiped that score from the statistics.

Table topping Enfield had a lucky escape as East Lancs made 247-7 before the heavens opened on Sunday.

And Church were 20-0, chasing Ramsbottom's 179-9 when the weather intervened.

But three of Hyndburn's clubs enjoyed success in the Inter League Trophy on Saturday.

As well as Accrington winning by nine wickets, Church got through as they overcame Central Lancashire League side Milnrow.

Milnrow made 105 with paid man Ruven Peiris taking 4-17 and Sam Holt 3-30 and, on a reduced run rate, the Blackburn Road club made 52-3 for victory.

Table-topping Enfield are also through after they beat Royton. Enfield made 169-6 from 30 overs with half-centuries from Alviro Petersen and Sam Reidy.

It then ended in a nail-biting finale as, with the rain causing problems, Royton needed 23 from their final over. They did well and needed four off the final ball but Enfield skipper David Bracewell held his nerve and ran pro Saeed Anwar out to see Enfield through.

Rishton were disappointed they didn't seal a place in the second round in their home clash with Werneth as Sleep's side were on the wrong end of the run-rate call.

Pro Vernon Philander had made his first 50 for the club in their 170-5.

Werneth needed 96 and looked in trouble at 63-7, but the lower order held their nerve to see the Central Lancashire League side through.

INTER LEAGUE TROPHY DRAW (played Monday 29 May): Bacup v Littleborough; Burnley v ACCRINGTON; Clifton v Nelson; East Lancs v Todmorden; ENFIELD v Rawtenstall; Ramsbottom v Monton and Weaste; Unsworth v Haslingden; Werneth v CHURCH