RISHTON sub pro Lachlan Stevens got his timing spot on as he helped to steer his new club to their first trophy in five years.

Lachlan had only arrived in England the week before but, at a sun-baked Blackburn Road last Friday night, the Australian made sure Rishton saw off the challenge of Burnley in the Lancashire League's 20/20 final.

The last time Rishton first XI picked up some silverware was in the Inter League Trophy in 2001 but Stevens and co have now made sure there is another cup in the cabinet after a dramatic eight-run win.

"It's called good timing - it's good to arrive when the cup competitions are reaching the late stages!" smiled Stevens. "It was a good night though. I think there was around 800 people watching and it was a great crowd and a great atmosphere. You wouldn't get anything like that in club cricket back home. It was fantastic."

Queenslander Stevens was the emergency call-up to replace the injured Vernon Philander and he wasted no time in writing his name into Rishton history books.

"Clinton Perrin told me about the chance to come to Rishton and I jumped at it. I have never played in England before.

"It is a great opportunity for me to play cricket for ten weeks and I cannot ask for a lot more than to win a trophy in my first week!"

Rishton won their 20/20 group and then saw off the challenge of Todmorden in the semi-final to set up their final showdown with rivals Burnley last week.

Stevens had played in that Todmorden game - and was run out on his debut without facing a ball.

"That was certainly a start to forget," he said.

But he bounced back with his first half century for the club on Friday - making 57 with seven fours and a six - and captain Peter Sleep played his part with 45 in the quick-fire shoot-out.

Their 143-6 looked catchable for an in-form Burnley and opener Vishal Tripathi took charge. But some tight bowling by John Seedle, Richard Rostron and Stevens kept the Turf Moor side at bay.

Burnley needed 20 off the final Rostron over but they fell short and the celebrations began at a packed Blackburn Road.