THIS was almost a classic.

Runs were at a premium, the bowling neater than a Keep Britain Tidy office and the batting studious and determined.

And, as in almost all such cases, the lingering talking points were umpires' decisions.

Both professionals felt aggrieved at their dismissals.

Chris Harris clearly felt he had not edged the Billy Stelling delivery to David Pearson behind the wicket.

Stelling was unsure whether he had been given out caught at first slip or adjudged lbw, arguing the Harris delivery hit high on his back leg after hearing the leg before verdict.

In retrospect, the Stelling dismissal probably proved crucial.

East Lancs had started their reply comfortably and, with runs ticking over, the smart money was on the home side.

But the South African's departure sparked a mini-collapse and Ramsbottom roared back into contention.

Nick Riley and Harris used a slow wicket with plenty in it for the bowlers to expert effect and the runs dried up.

And it was only thanks to some late order fireworks from Ian Haworth which caused the Ramsbottom nails to be bitten.

"The wicket was a wee bit variable and East Lancs got off to a bit of a flier," said Harris, who incurred the wrath of the Alexandra Meadows crowd with his consistent appealing.

"The umpire took a long time over the Stelling decision because he said he was just having a look at the height. But I thought I had a couple of good shouts turned down. I guess I appeal a lot - but that is all part of the game.

"We fielded well and bowled brilliantly."

Harris also reserved special praise for the batting of skipper Jack Simpson, who almost carried his bat for 74.

It was an innings of responsibility, realising a modest target would be a test for the home side.

Ramsbottom were in early trouble, with Stelling working his leg cutter to take the first three Ramsbottom wickets.

Some late order strokeplay boosted the total and, although East Lancs raced away early in their reply, wickets fell regularly - occasionally to poor shot selection.

Haworth blasted two straight sixes off Riley to briefly threaten a sensational finish but a final over run out sealed Ramsbottom's visit to Bacup for the final on August 4.

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