LANCASHIRE League leaders Ramsbottom held onto top spot after a crucial win at Valley neighbours Rawtenstall.

The match proved a personal success for Rams professional Murali Kartik who took his 50th Lancashire League wicket of the season then hit a vital 60 as he led his side to victory.

The talented Indian allrounder recorded figures of 6 for 39 and received good support from Chris Eardley (4 for 54) as the home side were bowled out for 143.

In the reply Ramsbottom lost early wickets and were 31 for 3 before Kartik got to work, putting on 66 for the fourth wicket with Alex Bell (37)

Mark Dentith eventually saw them home with an unbeaten 13.

GREENMOUNT won through to the quarter-finals of the Thwaites Lancashire Knockout competition after a convincing victory over Dukinfield on Sunday.

The Bolton League side had been set a target of 134 after their Lancashire County League opponents had hit 133 for 9.

That total proved no problem thanks to an unbeaten 56 from Andy Kerr and 52 from Indian professional Nishit Shetty, and they cruised to an eight wicket win inside 23 overs.

They now face an away trip to Lytham after the Fylde side saw off Wallasey at the weekend. On Saturday they easily beat off the challenge of struggling Heaton with a nine-wicket victory. Shetty was the main man on that occasion too, taking 5 for 26 as the home side were dismissed for 105. The paid man went on to hit an unbeaten 46, with Kerr chipping in with 40 not out as they eased to 106 for 1 in the response.

In the Ribblesdale League, Edenfield maintained a good position just behind the leaders with a tense victory at Oswaldtwistle Immanuel.

The local side were bowled out for a paltry 111, despite a good 48 from teenager Adam Barnes.

Oswaldtwistle reached 99 for 3 and looked to have the game in the bag until they managed to lose their last seven wickets for six runs to give Edenfield an unexpected victory.