BRAD Young will not be available to lead East Lancs' challenge for their first cup success in 10 years.

Instead, the South Australian slow left armer will be furthering his Test ambitions against cricketing legends such as Jock MacTavish and Paddy O'Reilly.

Young's departure in a month's time to tour Scotland and Ireland with the Australia A side is frustrating for the Alexandra Meadows club - to say the least.

But panic stations have not been manned.

For, despite Young's fine all-round performance in the semi-final against Ramsbottom, East Lancs' success is primarily built upon the strength in depth of the amateurs.

In both batting and bowling departments, there is genuine quality.

And that shone through the gloom of another dismal June afternoon.

Without the services of David Pearson, on duty with Cumberland, Andy Clague opened the innings with Phil Bolton.

That pair built a steady foundation before making way for Young and skipper Mark Lomas to step on the gas.

On a greasy and low wicket that was never easy.

"When Mark and I were in we said we would have done alright if we could get 170.

"But there was a little less pressure on us after the openers put on a solid start," said Young.

And where the batsmen had set the standards, the bowlers were only too keen to follow.

Phil Mooney's opening spell had Ramsbottom on the rack from the off.

He took the first four wickets to fall, including the prize scalp of professional Ian Harvey.

It was an uphill struggle for the visitors from that moment on and only Mick Dentith and top scorer Garfield Moreton were able to restore some pride.

Young was almost impossible to attack, his 10 overs costing just nine runs.

He added: "We didn't actually bowl whole overs very well.

"The wickets we got were from the good ball of the overs.

"The teams with the biggest bowling depth will win games and we have got six blokes who can bowl."

Young's aim is to leave the club challenging for the title as well as chasing cup honours in the inter-league competition and the Jennings Worsley Cup.

That looks to be a highly attainable goal.

The Haslingden v Colne semi-final was postponed.

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