HOLDERS Ramsbottom turned in their best all-round performance of the season to defeat Lancashire League league leaders Enfield in the Worsley Cup on Sunday.

Skipper Mark Price had no hesitation in asking the opposition to bat after winning the toss and pulled a masterstroke by allowing Nick Riley to share the new ball with Lee Daggett.

Riley exploited the conditions to the full, extracting swing and bounce and in his first over he drew the prolific amateur run scorer Jackson forward and had him brilliantly stumped by in-form 'keeper Richard Hevingham.

Better was to come in his second over when he deceived Enfield professional Van Jaarsveld with a slower delivery which the South African could only chip into mid wicket's hands.

After this it was backs to the wall stuff for the home side and with all the Rammy bowlers putting it 'on the spot' runs were hard to come by.

In the end Enfield did well to reach 109 thanks to a fine knock by captain Edmonds and some spirited tail end hitting.

The local wags were predicting a Ramsbottom capitulation when the game resumed after the tea interval but were soon silenced as Riley and professional Clarke took the attack to the Enfield bowlers and with some excellent stroke play pushed the score past 50 after the first 10 overs.

When Riley departed with the score on 71 the game was as good as over and even though Webb fell late on, professional Clarke, with a magnificent 64 not out, saw the Rams home with more than 20 overs remaining.

Saturday's derby game with Rawtenstall was abandoned after 10 overs with Rawtenstall on 29 for 1.

The match will be replayed at a later date as all the Lancashire League fixtures were abandoned.