THE sun shone on Ramsbottom's Lancashire League title aspirations on Saturday when they saw off Rishton to take advantage of Colne's slip and head the table.

After winning the toss Rishton had no hesitation in electing to bat on a beautiful wicket in blazing temperatures at Acre Bottom.

They soon regretted this decision when Ramsbottom's Indian professional Kartik removed their opening batsman in his first over and then followed this up with further wickets in his sixth and seventh overs.

However, their paid man Arothe was still there and although he found it difficult to score against his countryman he was gradually getting used to the pace of the wicket and playing some sweet shots off the Rammy amateurs.

He found allies in Rostron and Leathert and as his confidence grew he started to plunder the amateur attack, being particularly brutal against Lee Daggett.

Skipper Richard Hevingham was forced to bring opening bowler Mick Haslam back into the attack and this paid immediate dividends when Robert Read held a magnificent diving catch in the deep to dismiss the former Elton and Rochdale pro.

Any thoughts that the rest of the Rishton batting might fold were soon dispelled as Hacking joined Leathert at the crease.

Up to that point Kartik had proved practically unplayable and after 20 overs had the remarkable figures of 4 for 21 but even he appeared to fall victim of the sweltering conditions as he was smashed for 44 runs which included five 6s in his remaining five overs as Rishton posted a respectable score of 185 for 9.

Despite looking decidedly tired after their efforts in the field, the Rams knew that there was an important job to be done and they got off to a flying start with Kartik looking in good nick.

However, with the score on 37 he played his first loose shot and was well held at slip.

Keith Webb and Alex Bell set about repairing the damage and although runs came slowly at first they gradually started to up the tempo with Webb taking the leading role and gaining a well deserved half century before being bowled by Greaves with the score on 111.

When Bell followed shortly after his elder brother David was joined by John Harrison. Together these two took advantage of a tiring attack and provided splendid entertainment for the crowd with some fine strokeplay and aggressive running between the wickets.

When Harrison fell for 36 at less than a run a ball it was almost all over and Bell and Dentith took the Acre Bottom side to a comfortable win which took them to the top of the table.

This Sunday the Rams entertain local rivals Haslingden who currently lie only two points behind them in second place in what is undoubtedly likely to prove one of the most crucial games of the season.