RAMSBOTTOM Rascals have landed their first trophy of the season - and are already well on target for their second!

They are the North East Lancashire Friendly League champions again after beating Accrington-based Pioneer 66-51.

And on Sunday in the Intermediate League they overcame some under-par showings to triumph 168-150 against Wigan who are their closest rivals.

Two of the club's brightest prospects again showed their potential to reach the sports higher echelons.

Emma McKenna has posted national times while Paul Whelan is off to Ireland for the national trials.

Woodhey High School pupil Paul, qualifies because his soldier grandfather Chris was Dublin born!

McKenna, Whelan together with the outstanding Gemma Bromby, Lewis Shepherd and Calum Hall, ensured the Rascals were victorious - a win that left a bitter taste with head coach Rick Wesolowski.

He was furious at what he described as a "lethargic team performance" with an apparant lack of killer instinct.

Wesolowski told the Bury Times: "We are having too many galas in the comfort zone which is a reflection on a lack of local quality opposition."

Hall had a personal best in fly and Duncan Saunders was in top freestyle form.

Nelf team manager John Taylor praised the performances of youngsters Catherine Panter, Hollie Jones-Bradburn and Liam O'Connor.