THERE'S nothing better than being involved in a match-winning batting partnership - especially when you need to dispel any anxieties that your team might not need you.

Such was the ease of Ramsbottom's victory over Rishton on Saturday that the services of Mark Dentith and John Harrison weren't required as they only lost two wickets in reaching their target.

But the men at five and six in the batting line-up made sure they had a purpose for putting on their pads yesterday as they came to Ramsbottom's rescue with a stunning unbeaten stand of 131 that paved the way for victory over Burnley at Acre Bottom.

"If I'm number five and don't get a bat it means we're doing well," said Dentith. "So I'm not too bothered about that as long as we win, but it was a pleasure to be involved in that today.

"We came in at a time when we knew we couldn't lose any more wickets so we had to consolidate and maybe see if we could get to the last five overs.

"But we scored almost 90 off the last 10 and it came at the right time.

"John hit the ball really well and it's nice for the batsmen because we've been notorious for failing a bit in the last few years. But it's coming together and we're on a run."

Harrison hit 68 not out off 67 balls (one six, eight fours), while Dentith's unbeaten 55 came from 71 deliveries (one six, six fours) and they accelerated the innings to a rate of almost nine an over in the final 12 overs.

But another man who wasn't required a day earlier, due to an ankle injury, also played a starring role as pro Murali Kartik limped through an unbroken spell of 24 overs to help dismiss Burnley for 134.

Given that Murali's not fully fit, yet still only conceded 36 runs, bowled 10 maidens and took four wickets, those stats should frighten the rest of the Lancashire League to death, as well as the fact that form side Ramsbottom's amateurs looked so good in their sixth straight victory.

Chris Eardley capitalised on the frustration that Murali injected into Burnley's beleaguered batting line-up by prompting a series of wayward shots that brought him a five-wicket haul.

He perfectly illustrated the strength in depth of the bowling line-up as Mick Haslam, who took six against Rishton, was removed after 20 overs before Eardley and Murali completed the demolition.

Ramsbottom captain Richard Hevingham said: "The amateurs are realising that, as we've had batting pros in the past, they now have to take responsibility. If they get runs, nine times out of 10 we'll bowl sides out."

Burnley had little to be pleased about, apart from the early burst that reduced their hosts to 87-4 and the form of Jonathan Clare.

After Murali removed captain Ben Law for two before he had even conceded a run, Clare's 46 off 63 balls put Burnley in contention at 72-1, chasing 219.

But once he'd gone the run rate lengthened as rapidly as the early summer shadows and Burnley's second capitulation of the weekend was inevitable.