RAMSBOTTOM have a great chance to turn their disappointing Lancashire League campaign around after reaching the Worsley Cup final.

They booked their place following a 15-run triumph over Colne last Sunday setting up a tasty showdown at Rossendale Valley rivals Bacup on Sunday, August 5.

The Rams - who haven't been out of the bottom two of the league all season - certainly won't need any motivating in their bid to bring the silverware to Acre Bottom after the Lanehead club - on course for a league and cup double - pipped them to the league championship last season.

And according to professional Brad Hodge - the architect of the semi-final win - he and his teammates had one eye on the famous old trophy from the start.

"We always knew it would be difficult to challenge for the title this year as we lost a couple of players," he explained.

"But we wanted to field our strongest side to see if we could win the cup so to be in the final makes it all worthwhile."

The Victorian cracked a fine 73 and put in a match-winning partnership of 140 with Mark Dentith to settle the locals nerves after a tetchy 11 for 2 start.

Hodge's knock came in 118 balls with one six and three four and helped take the total onto 151 for the third wicket. Dentith's innings was also crucial and the paid man explained that his partner is at last showing his true potential.

"Colne bowled well but to our credit we did well too," he said. "After we weathered an early storm Mark's innings was exceptional.

"We worked together a fair bit last year but this season he has responded superbly. I said that if he bats at number four he has to take on that kind of responsibility which he did."

Lee Daggett's unbeaten 21 and 12 and 14 from Nick Riley and Simon Lord enabled the Rams to set a target of 204 for the visitors.

After a slow start Colne had reached 68 for 4 just past the half way stage and when Gary Laycock and David Swarbrick collided in mid-wicket it just looked as though their luck was out.

But Laycock got his head down and became a victim of Hodge four short of his 50.

Matthew Wilson (27) and Andy Clarke (21) stuck to the task but both fell to the Rammy pro with Clarke's demise off the final ball giving him a five wicket return.

The draw for the semi-final of the Inter League Trophy has given the Rams a home tie against fellow Lancashire League outfit Rishton, while Church travel to Central Lancashire League side Littleborough. The ties will be played on July 21.