RAMSBOTTOM came out best from their LANCASHIRE LEAGUE derby with Haslingden thanks to an excellent all-round performance from sub-professional Pieter Strydom.

The South African, who plays for Netherfield in the Northern League, soon found himself at the crease after Nick Riley had been caught behind off former Lancashire favourite Ian Austin.

When he was eventually out for a magnificent 115 he had faced 127 balls and hit five massive 6s and six 4s.

Skipper Mark Price kept up the momentum, smashing 30 runs off only 13 balls and Alex Bell added 47 runs in the last four overs.

As the sides left the field for tea the heavens opened and it looked like the match would be abandoned.

However, with both teams desperate to play and due to some sterling work by the groundstaff, play eventually restarted at 5.40pm with Haslingden set a revised target of 167.

The Rams looked hell-bent on throwing the game away as both openers were dropped off relatively easy chances and it took a magnificent diving catch by Strydom to remove the dangerous Blackledge.

This brought together Austin and Knowles, both in form with the bat, and Haslingden's main hopes of success.

With the score on 80 after 15 overs, the away team were favourites. Simon Read then took the vital wicket of Knowles, but this did not stop the momentum as the experienced Ingham joined his professional.

The game swung Ramsbottom's way when Strydom was brought into the attack to bowl in tandem with skipper Price. They managed to check the scoring and Price got rid of Ingham and big-hitting Smith in quick succession.

Strydom also took two wickets and both bowlers restricted Austin to mainly singles.

The game slipped further and further away from Haslingden and when the final over arrived, 25 runs were required.

Typically, Austin went for death or glory, but was brilliantly caught on the edge by David Bell and Ramsbottom then wrapped up a much-needed win.