Rammy set for final challenge

RA M S B O T TOM must become the first side in the Lancashire League to beat Church this season if they are to be crowned President’s Cup winners this weekend.

As if that wasn’t tough enough, Rammy will have to do so on Church’s own West End ground!

Ramsbottom secured their place in Sunday’s final by beating Clitheroe by 49 runs at Acre Bottom.

Daryn Smit and Kieren Grimshaw led the way for Ramsbottom with half centuries as the side posted 176-3.

Simon Hanson (25) and Grimshaw put on 47 for the second wicket after the early loss of JJ Fielding (0) to Cole Hayman at 9.

Grimshaw and Smit kept the momentum going with 73 for the third wicket with the former making 63 from 102 balls and Smit hitting 60 from 70 balls.

Smit also starred with the ball, claiming 3-10 while Grimshaw took 2-11 to help bowl Clitheroe out for 127.

A dramatic five-run win over Walsden earned Church – who will be taking part in their seventh final in the last ten years – a place in Sunday’s showpiece.

Lowerhouse 2nd v Church 2nd, Bacup Third XI v Walsden Third X, Nelson Third XI v Todmorden Third XI, Rochdale Third XI v Haslingden Third XI

Walsden 2nd v Clitheroe 2nd -

Colne v Enfield, Crompton v Norden, Darwen v Rishton, Lowerhouse v Haslingden, Nelson v Great Harwood, Rawtenstall v Rochdale, Todmorden v Burnley

Burnley 2nd v Rawtenstall 2nd, Enfield 2nd v Colne 2nd, Great Harwood 2nd v Darwen 2nd, Haslingden 2nd v Lowerhouse 2nd, Middleton 2nd v Crompton 2nd,

Norden 2nd v Todmorden 2nd, Rochdale 2nd v Littleborough 2nd