TODMORDEN professional Matthew Nicholson held play up at Acre Bottom on Saturday complaining that the Ramsbottom wicket was dangerous.

A ball had hit him in the chin and play only commenced after he'd remonstrated with the umpires for five minutes.

The break did the paid man's concentration no good at all as he was out caught for one off the next ball as the Rams won by five runs.

Hero of the hour once again was Australian professional Brad Hodge who blasted a superb 115 as his side ran up a total of 215.

Tod went close to overhauling that target but fell five short of what was required with Hodge rounding off a great day's work by taking five wickets with the ball.

On Sunday champions-elect Bacup gained revenge for their Worsley Cup final defeat.

After skittling the Rams for a paltry 81 they proceeded to knock them off for less then 11 overs and the loss of three wickets.

Only Simon Read and Mark Dentith made it to double figures as Bacup pro Shaun Young picked up six wickets for 26 runs.