NICK Marsh dashed back from holiday in France to lead Read to Vaux Ramsbottom Cup glory.

The former Accrington stalwart scored a wily 84 as Read successfully chased Barnoldswick's total of 214 as Sunday's rain-affected final continued at Clitheroe last night.

And club captain Dave Parsons, who missed the win through injury, believes the cup triumph is just the first step on the road to the double.

"I think we've got great depth. Nick Marsh hasn't held a bat in two weeks and batted like a dream," said Parsons.

And he revealed the club already had plans to try to re-sign Pakistani international professional Shahid Nawaz.

But his expected role in the Read run chase did not materialise. He was out with 24 overs remaining when a Martin Greenhalgh delivery kept low, trapping the batsman leg before. Marsh readily accepted responsibility and whittled away at the Barnoldswick target.

Wickets fell regularly, Barnoldswick professional James Peterson always dangerous with the ball, but Read maintained their scoring momentum despite irritating delaying tactics.

Marsh was eventually brilliantly caught by keeper Ian Scothern off the bowling off Justin Manville but Read had already established a solid base.

And some calculated hitting from Graham Bardsley saw his side, captained on the night by Peter Usher, safely home with just three balls remaining in a thrilling climax.

Marsh added: "I rang to find if I was playing and came home on Saturday.

"They bowled very tightly and put us under a lot of pressure. It was a great team effort."

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