RAMSBOTTOM were dealt a severe blow to their title chances when Sunday's game against Nelson was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to the appalling state of the square at Seedhill.

With the game between Haslingden and Church also falling victim to the weather, the only hope that the Rams entertained was that three other fixtures would fall the same way.

Unfortunately this did not occur so the games will not be replayed.

On Saturday, the Rams had completed a very competent demolition job on lowly Enfield.

Asking the opposition to bat first they knew the main danger was the Enfield professional Alveiro Peterson, who has scored well over 1000 runs in the League this season despite missing the first 5 games.

After the early loss of a wicket he joined Adam Bracewell and despite finding the Ramsbottom pro Kartik difficult to play they looked to be building a decent stand until Bracewell lashed at a wide delivery from Mick Haslam and was well caught by David Bell at cover.

This seemed to unsettle Peterson and three overs later he was back in the pavilion after being deceived in flight by Kartik and edging a catch to Mark Dentith at slip.

After this the Enfield batting, with the exception of captain David Bracewell, had very little to offer and were dismissed for 98.

The Indian maestro once again shone for the Rams with a return of 5-32.

Despite the early loss of Keith Webb, the Acre Bottom side had little difficulty in passing the opposition's score with Kartik leading the run chase with a fine 42.

With two games remaining, Ramsbottom now have to hope they can collect maximum points and their main rivals slip up.