TAMA Canning struck his first league century of the season as Accrington halted a run of four league losses against Rawtenstall.

The New Zealander hit a crucial 101 to follow up on his 4-95 as he moved Accrington up the table. Canning is the leading wicket taker in the league and took his tally to 23 after Sunday.

Rawtenstall finished on 197 all out after James Hayhurst took two late wickets. And it looked dismal for Accrington when Adam Wilson was out first ball. But Mohsin Ahmed (23) and Canning steadied the ship although skipper Matt Wilson was a hero lower down the order. He made 48 and his fifth wicket stand with Canning produced 120 runs.

Canning stuck at the crease, hitting eight boundaries and three sixes to help his side celebrate a six wicket victory.

Accrington will be looking to build on this when they visit Todmorden on Sunday. They were the only team to play their opening game of the season so they don't have a match tomorrow.

  • RISHTON paid man James Franklin hit 105 - but ended up on the losing side at Haslingden on Sunday. He hit 14 boundaries and one six in his side's 237-9 with Richard Rostron amassing 35. But Bentgate bowler Steve Dearden destroyed the Rishton lower order and celebrated a hat-trick as the last four fell cheaply.

Rishton looked in control as early wickets fell leaving them on 88-5. But Haslingden captain Paul Blackledge hit an unbeaten 99 and Andrew Smith made 49 in the three wicket win. Rostron took three wickets and Franklin two. Rishton are at home to Ramsbottom on Saturday and at home to Bacup on Sunday.