THERE was no joy for Ramsbottom as they tasted defeat at the double in league and cup.

They were edged out by Rishton by just three runs in a thrilling Inter League Trophy semi-final at Acre Bottom.

Neil Wells was the biggest thorn in Ramsbottom's side. The Rishton man made a crucial 28 not out batting at number nine to haul the visitors from 93 for eight to 146 all out.

Then the left arm spinner took four wickets for 34 runs as Ramsbottom crumbled from 95-4 to 108 for eight.

Julian Marcroft gave Ramsbottom fresh hope with an unbeaten 22, but with Perren and Rishton skipper Peter Sleep keeping it tight at the death, Ramsbottom were denied a second final appearance.

Sleep, Rishton's top scorer with 39, said: "We got Brad Hodge out for no score, which was a big bonus for us and we got wickets at the right times.

"Neil Wells turned in a Man of the Match performance and we just kept chipping away.

"Our professional, Clinto Perren, bowled a real good over second from last and we just pipped them. It was a really good finish."

Rishton now face Littleborough in the final at Blackburn Road on Bank Holiday Monday August 27.

Ramsbottom surrendered maximum points to title-chasing East Lancs as they went down to a seven-wicket defeat at Duke's Brow.

Rishton's stand-in professional, Dave Callaghan, took a fine catch, claimed two wickets and hit an unbeaten 35.

The South African was well-supported by Phil Mercer, who hit an unbeaten 21. Mercer also took two wickets as Ramsbottom were bowled out for 91.