RAMSBOTTOM talisman Daryn Smit revealed that seeing his side clinch the title in dramatic fashion on Sunday was a ‘humbling experience’.

The South African all-rounder, who is skipper and professional at Acre Bottom, took 6-10 as Nelson were bowled out for just 78 on the final day of the season.

But Rammy took until the penultimate ball, when youngster Josh Dentith edged one for four, to wrap up the victory they needed to claim the silverware following Burnley’s nine-wicket win at Todmorden.

“I think it kind of sums up the whole season,” said Smit as he prepared to fly home for the winter. “Nothing has been easy, right down to the final run.

“It was almost like everything was stacking up against us - the weather, the fixtures, other teams not beating Burnley when they were in a good position. It was all summed up by Sunday’s game. After dismissing Nelson for 78 we were cock-a-hoop. But after having bowled and taken a few wickets on that pitch, I didn’t think we’d have it all our own way.”

Smit’s bowling effort - which included three lbws on a turning track - made it 65 wickets for the season.

But he couldn’t add to the 883 runs he’d amassed as the visitors went from 10-0 to 10-3 - and they continued to lose wickets as the pressure and nerves started to tell.

Ramsbottom, who were chasing their first title in six years, had to dig in and they found their heroes in Dale Gabriel (21), Tom Booth (19) and Dentith (4no).

“The tailenders and middle order were phenomenal,” said Smit.

“We were 54-8, still needing 15 runs to win, and it was slow going, with a single here and two there.

“It took us 49.5 overs to get to 82 runs, which shows how tough it was and also how well Nelson bowled.

“But we have had a motto this season, which is ‘Find a Way’, and that’s what we did.

“It was not pretty - it was ugly cricket - but to get over the line and lift the trophy was fantastic.”

Smit added: “A lot of supporters made the trip and they were ecstatic when we won.

“We had a drink with the Nelson lads and then headed back to Acre Bottom, where the party lasted into the early hours.

“It was a humbling experience to see how much it meant to the players and supporters.

“It’s probably been one of the hardest seasons the club has had.

“The flooding around Christmas saw everyone pull together and put in a huge effort to get the ground back into shape.

“When I arrived in April I was amazed with how good it looked after seeing the pictures on social media earlier in the year. There have also been a few deaths of people connected with the club in recent months too, and they hit home quite hard.

“That added to the emotion and was an extra motivation to win the title for those who were not there.

“The stars aligned - it was our time. But it’s been a process over the last three years to reach this point.”

Smit admitted it was ‘one of the best days’ in his 15-year first class career, adding: “It’s massive for the club, but for Ramsbottom on a wider scale too.”