Before last Saturday, Accrington had won 14 consecutive Lancashire League matches. After Colne’s visit, that total moved smoothly to 15, as Colne suffered a disappointing 9-wicket defeat.
With an eye on the weather, Accrington asked Colne to field. Due to rain delays, Colne had a maximum of only 31 overs, and were bowled out for 95 in the last. Lewis Rimmer and Adam Holt, 18 each, and Kenton Rhodes 17 not out, were the only Colne batsmen in double figures.
There was disappointment for Joel Duerden as he was hit on the hand while batting and suffered a suspected broken knuckle. He may be out for a few weeks.
After a further rain delay, Accrington’s target was reduced to 73 from 21 overs, and they did not waste any time. Van Schalkwyk took a wicket in the first over, and Kenton Rhodes took his first wicket for the first XI but Accrington raced to victory in just 7.4 overs.
Professional Ashar Zaidi scored 47 not out in just 24 balls, with a six and 8 fours.
Colne’s Twenty20 season ended with a whimper the night before, as they never challenged Nelson’s total of 153-6.
Khurrum Nazir was the pick of the bowlers with 2-17, and then top scored with 18 in Colne’s reply of 84-8. Colne ended the Twenty20 season with two wins and two defeats, which is not enough to qualify for the semi-finals.
This weekend, Colne have a home game against Bacup today.