Ramsbottom captain Rob Read believes the “togetherness” and work ethic instilled in his team is the main reason behind his side’s current success.

The Rams sit top of the Lancashire League after a comfortable victory over reigning champions Accrington on Sunday.

“We’ve got a lot of togetherness in the team. We are working well and we’ve just got to keep improving,” said Read. “Everyone is chipping in with important runs at the right time and we are working as a team every game.

“Having Simon Read back in the team is a massive plus and pro Daryn Smit is a top player.”

Batsman Tom Parton has been on top form in recent weeks, and last year’s captain Jon Fielding is also having a great season with the bat. “I think not having the captaincy this year has opened up Jon’s game,” said Read.

Last year, Ramsbottom finished in the top four and Read is looking for more of the same this year.

“That’s what we are aiming for but there’s a long way to go. “We’ve got a big game at home to Haslingden in the local derby on Saturday, and they will certainly be up there challenging for the title come the end of the season, so we just have to take each game as it comes,” said Read.

In conditions that were far from ideal, both Parton and South African professional spinner Smit impressed as Ramsbottom beat Accrington by eight wickets at Acre Bottom.

The visitors batted first with Jacob Johnson top scoring with 22. But Accrington could not deal with the impressive bowling of Simon Read, who took 3-46 for his 17 overs, while Smit took five wickets as Accrington were bowled for 129.

In reply, opener Dale Gabriel went for a duck before Parton’s partnership with Smit saw him hit 60 and Smit 47 not out as the hosts eased to victory.

Ramsbottom have a double header of games this weekend against local rivals Haslingden and Bacup.