CUP winning skipper Jonathan Fielding nursed a sore head yesterday morning – but reckons the feeling of lifting the Worsley Cup on Sunday was worth it after Ramsbottom ended their mini-slump with a comprehensive win over Church.

Rammy had lost four games on the spin going into Sunday’s showdown at West End but they roared back to form to make it five Worsley Cup wins in the past 10 years thanks to their six-wicket win.

“It was a good night,” he said. “I was rough on Monday but cup final wins are special and we enjoyed the moment. It certainly beats the feeling of last year when Colne beat us in the final.

“Cup final wins are special and have to be savoured because you don’t know how many or when you will get to play in.

“And winning makes the whole thing even better.

“I thought we bowled and fielded very well and then with the bat Shanan Stewart was excellent to steer us home – and it was just what we needed after our run in the league.

“We lost four games on the spin and we hadn’t been playing well enough – but we also had not had much luck in the four games.

“We played very well on Sunday and had the bits of luck when we needed them – and you need that to be successful in cricket.”

The four-match Lancashire League losing streak has left Ramsbottom’s hopes of retaining their title hanging by a thread and they are 45 points behind leaders Lowerhouse with eight games remaining.

But Fielding insists his men won’t throw in the towel in the run-in.

“We are a long way behind and it will be very difficult to win the league from here on in,” he said.

“But I know how difficult it can be to get over the line. I know just that from last year when we won it.

“Anything can happen in cricket and last year we went on a 16-match winning streak so there is no reason why we can’t win our last eight games.

“Like most teams we are a confidence team and Sunday’s win has lifted everyone’s mood and now we will look to get going this weekend.”