TAMA Canning's half century from 17 balls was certainly something to remember for Accrington skipper Matt Wilson.

The New Zealander celebrated his call up to the New Zealand A side with an unbeaten 151 against Colne on Saturday but the last 50 was the most memorable.

"It was unbelievable," said the captain. "The last 20 minutes - the last three overs - were the best I have seen. Everything he hit went out of the ground."

"He had heard he had been called up to the New Zealand A side that morning and he wouldn't sit down afterwards!"

It wasn't quite Accrington CC's league record with Charlie Llewellyn's unbeaten 188 against Bacup in 1913 and Ryan Campbell's 157 in 1988 bettering it.

But it didn't matter to the pro who took his league tally for the season to 863 runs - with three centuries - and his overall runs for the season to more than 1000.

And the call-up - which means he will miss the last two games of the campaign - caps a good season for the 27-year-old, who also took three wickets to take his league scalps to 42.

The 62-run win over Colne was a huge boost going into Sunday's game against title chasing Church at Thorneyholme Road.

"It is a big game. Mark Aspin and Tama Canning are good friends and it is friendly rivalry between the lads. It would be nice to put one over on them, though," said the captain.

Wilson has been happy with his first season in charge as Accrington are enjoying a good campaign.

"It is the best season we have had for about 10 years," said the captain. "We could have done with picking up a few more bonus points - we only have nine - and if we had we would have been further up the table."

"With six games left, though, we would be happy to win half of them and get to 100 points which is something we have not done in the last few years."

The Church clash should be entertaining with big-hitting Canning - with his 863 runs - up against Ruven Peiris who has amassed a staggering 968 runs this season.

"We would be happy if Ruven got nought, Tama got a century and it is 12 points to us!" added Wilson.

Church obviously have other plans as they bid to get back on track in their title hunt.

They were knocked off the top by Ramsbottom after they slipped to a loss against another one of the championship chasers Nelson.

Joe Scuderi's side made a catchable 161 but the Church batsmen, after their record breaking feats the week before, couldn't get going.

The usual stars of Peiris, Phil Sykes and Mark Aspin were back in the pavilion cheaply with Adam Greenwood top scoring with 26 in their 72-run loss.

Rishton's sub pro once again starred but couldn't help them to a win against new league leaders Ramsbottom.

Indian pro Arothe scored 79 - last week's sub pro Dale Benkenstein hit a ton for the Blackburn Roaders.

But only Matt Leathert (38) and Sam Hacking (21) really supported him in their 185-9. Ramsbottom overtook the tally with just four wickets down.

Rishton have a home game against last season's champions East Lancs on Sunday.

And it wasn't a good day for Enfield. Professional Alviro Petersen got 43 in their 114 as the lower order fell without hardly adding a run to the score.

And Haslingden - who have moved into second spot - passed the score with the loss of just two wickets. Enfield travel to Todmorden tomorrow.

  • THE Lancashire League side enjoyed a nine wicket win over the League Cricket Conference from the south at Rawtenstall.

Tama Canning took two wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 168. Enfield paid man Petersen hit an unbeaten century to help them to victory while Peiris was out for eight.