WORLD Cup fever finally arrived in the Ribblesdale League last night when Read staged its first floodlit tournament.

The Burnley club held a pyjama party under the glare of temporary floodlights at a buzzing Whalley Road, where the hosts beat Nelson in a thrilling final-over finish.

With the financial help of Vernon's Stainless Steel, who sponsored the event, the lights were able to be hired and shipped in to the ground, creating a real electric atmosphere.

And Read chairman Will Woodhouse revealed that excitement was generated even before a ball was bowled.

He said: "People have been ringing up asking what time the games are on and it was amazing how many came down on Monday just to see the lights being tested.

"Last night we had a big crowd, most of them stayed until after 11 and had an excellent evening.

"Everybody has seen this sort of thing on the TV and there's such a lot of people who don't go out to watch cricket, so we are trying to generate a lot of interest.

"It's all a bit different to what we normally see and the first time the Ribblesdale League has had this. We are grateful to Nelson, Great Harwood and Burnley for coming into the event for us and it will be a great three nights.

"Vernon's sponsored the event with a four-figure sum which is absolutely fantastic for local cricket. Without their help it would have been very, very hard work to get it done."

Read pro Peter Sleep and Ian Austin have also been involved in the promotion and organisation of the event.

"It's an experiment but we're hoping we can get two or three of these on next year," said Austin.

On the field, Sleep secured victory for the hosts with three wickets in the last over, when Nelson only needed seven runs for victory.

Read posted a total of 171 all out in 32.3 overs, Nick Marsh top scoring with 46 and Craig Walton hitting 40 before captain Warren Eastham came in late for a quick 28.

Paul Garaghty scored 59 for the Lancashire League side and Danny Kegg added to his earlier 4-27 with a half century.

Nelson had 165 on the board going into the final over but finished up all out on the same score.

Victory tonight for Great Harwood over Burnley in the other semi-final will give them and Read perfect practice for their Ramsbottom Cup final meeting on Sunday.

The league's top two will be battling it out at Padiham, starting at 1pm.

"It's a busy week for us, everybody is excited here." said Woodhouse.

"We've brought the boundary in so there will be more runs, so it should be a good run-out for Sunday's final."

All the games this week start at 6.30pm and are 35 overs a side.

The final will be on Thursday and Friday has also been set aside as a reserve date should rain disrupt the schedule.