HAPPY skipper Mark Rishton hailed his dead-eyed bowlers as he led the Ribblesdale League representative team into the last four of the annual Readers Interleague Trophy on Sunday.

But the Baxenden batsman was also relieved that the rain came down to give his men the chance of the bowl out success against the Central Lancashire League at Middleton.

Gary Sudworth, Chris Holt and Matthew Nutter were the hero bowlers as they all hit to secure a 3-1 win and book the last-four showdown against the Manchester Association or Saddleworth League at home next month.

And Rishton is hoping they can go one better than last year when they were beaten in the final by the Bolton League at Great Harwood.

“If we are honest, we did not really give a good account of ourselves in the final last year,” said Rishton.

“So we would like to get another chance to put that right.”

The Ribblesdale League boasts a plethora of talent – but the batsmen didn’t really get going, aside for Nutter.

“The rain didn’t help us and we lost a lot of overs,” added Rishton.

“We came back out and only had three overs left and it didn’t help us.

“But we didn’t really bat anywhere near how we can do and it was frustrating.

“In the end the Central Lancs would have had 20 overs to get 90-odd so we were second favourites and we were glad to see the rain continue.”

The rain meant the tie had to be settled by a bowl out and the Ribb League could celebrate.

“It is not the ideal way to go through,” added Rishton.

“But we are delighted and Matt Nutter had a good day.

"He batted well for a 50 and then hit the stumps - and he really has let everyone know about that!”