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Haslingden 174 (12pts), Nelson 87 (2pts)

Cricket captains, in line with soccer coaches, often win credit for decisions that alter games.

They are hailed for possessing some sort of mind-numbing super-human tactical genius when a bowling change (or a substitution) brings an instant reward.

It isn't always justified. This time, though, it was.

Haslingden skipper Stuart Taylor had every reason to feel deserving of the considerable back-slapping from his team-mates yesterday. Taylor decided to split his opening bowling partnership and introduce himself to the attack just as visiting Nelson professional Roger Harper was looking set for a major innings.

Three balls later the giant West Indian's stumps were crudely disturbed by a spot-on delivery - prompting much jumping and dancing from the home side and a decidedly female squeal from the Bent Gate bar room.

``Well done, Stu,'' came the cry. ``Looks as though we won't be leaving early tonight.''

The lady? Taylor's t'other half; not lost on her the sight of one of the Lancashire League's most prized scalps heading for the pavilion with ``b. Taylor'' next to his name.

To understand the euphoria you must first understand the facts. Harper will probably pass 10,000 League runs later this summer - not withstanding the fact that he has scored a century against EVERY club in the League.

Case rested. Harper was on the unlucky 13 when Taylor's gentle medium pace proved deceptive. His departure meant Haslingden were on course for a famous win.

After being invited to bat, Haslingden made rather a good job of scoring 174 before their innings closed on the penultimate ball, from which Harper claimed his fifth wicket of the afternoon.

Mark Griffin's knock of 62 was the highlight (few half centuries include three sixes and NO fours).

With Harper's opposite number, Brad McNamara, having a running feud with the umpire about his failure to turn any one of umpteen lbw claims into a firm dismissal, Nelson were allowed a fairly straightforward start to their reply. But when Harper departed with more than 130 still needed it looked uphill in the extreme.

And so it proved.

From 46-2 the visitors lost eight wickets for just 41 runs and extras emerged top scorer with 18. Their batting was poor, lacking in application and determination even accepting that the light was far from good.

Haslingden bowled and fielded well, but not well enough to dismiss a top side for well under a ton.

Taylor was the man of the day with 3-14 from his 11 overs and doubtless he will recount the getting-out-of-Harper more than once over a pint or plenty in seasons to come.

He can feel satisfied on several counts, not least that his side look genuine title contenders.

Nelson? Yesterday, they looked every inch last season's champions.