Ash passed 1,000 runs in the last match a 61 run defeat at the home of new champions ©Nigel Stockley

New Lancashire League champions Lowerhouse celebrated their second ever title by beating their nearest rivals Accrington by 61 runs to finish with a perfect record of thirteen home wins during the season. On a sporting wicket the champions made 164-9. Jon Finch top scored with 38, including two sixes and two fours, sub professional Anwar Ali made 25, Ben Heap 20, Chris Bleazard an unbeaten 16, Paddy Martin 14 and Joe Martin 12. David Ormerod signed off for the season with 5-92, his fifth wicket coming courtesy of a remarkable one handed catch at long off by Graham Lloyd with his left hand to dismiss Joe Beneduce and professional Ashar Zaidi took 3-48. Ali was soon into his stride sending back Andy Greenwood (5) and Stuart Crabtree (0) and then Finch removed Simon Hanson (11) and Mitch Taylor (1). Zaidi was given a torrid time by Ali but he managed to pass 1,000 runs for the season before lobbing Finch to Ali at mid wicket after scoring 18. Ali then returned to send back Matt Wilson (1) and Bryn Hargreaves (0) after Fergus Bailey had accounted for Graeme Sneddon (3). Lloyd was ninth out at 82 after making 20 when he holed out to Matt Walker at long on off Jonny Russell. Ormerod hit his first ball for 6 but it was left to Beneduce to wrap up the innings by cleaning up Jimmy Hayhurst with the score on 103. Ali took 4-24 and Finch 3-24 and the celebrations began all over again.