In Saturday’s Worsley Cup semi-final, Haslingden had the edge all the way through the game but Nelson put in a valiant effort that failed by 24 runs in the end.
Haslingden won the toss and batted and set off at a blistering pace, aided by the gift of 13 wides in the first five overs.
The first wicket fell at 46 when Richard Meade bowled Matt Griffin for 12, but that brought professional Brenton Parchment in to join skipper Graham Knowles, and they put on 68 in 17 overs before Adil Ali bowled Knowles for 51.
Former professional Phil Hayes wasted little time in settling in. He hammered seven fours and three sixes in his 66.
Parchment went on to top score with 70, hitting five fours and three sixes as Haslingden left Nelson with a target of 255. Adil Ali picked up 4-59.
Nelson opened their reply with Max Howells and Tyler McGladdery, but McGladdery was bowled for seven in the 10th over, at 29.
Ryan Canning joined Howells and began to get on top of the bowling. They put on 80 runs in 18 overs but Howells then lost his wicket for his top score, caught for 48 with four fours and two sixes.
Sean Lemon joined his professional and 82 was added before he fell to a catch on the long-on boundary for 32.
Nelson were 191-3 with eight overs remaining and Canning still at the crease - the South African reaching his first century in Nelson colours as the score advanced to 200-3 with six overs left.
In attempting to hit sixes in the closing overs, wickets were lost in quick succession.
Russell Bradley was out for one, then Canning went for a magnificent 104. His innings had included eight fours and two sixes. He was swiftly followed by Neil Thompson (6), Lewis Bradley (0) and Richard Meade (4).
Ali hit a couple of fours in an unbeaten 15 but, at the close, Nelson had made 230-8.
Nelson’s league match at home to Todmorden on Sunday was a strangest affair.
The first half of Nelson’s innings was horrendous, yet the later batsmen redeemed the situation to set a reasonable target.
Then the Todmorden batsmen dominated initially, only to be pegged back, leaving it late to surge to victory with eight balls to spare.
Nelson have another double-header this weekend, travelling to Rishton tomorrow before hosting neighbours Lowerhouse on Sunday.
Tonight the side are in the semi-final of the Twenty20 cup at Seedhill against the current holders Ramsbottom
Entrance fees are £2 and £1 concessions,special drinks offers will be available and a barbecue is planned.
Nelson are the first hosts of a Lookers VW-sponsored T20 competition featuring the Lancashire League,Ribblesdale League, Palace Shield and the Northern League on Thursday, July 25th, starting at 10 a.m.