RAMSBOTTOM'S dreams of a cup double were dashed by a 34-run defeat in the Worsley Cup semi-final at Lancashire League leaders Darwen on Sunday.

Tom Parton's men, who will play Church in the quarter-finals of LCB Knockout later this month, have been in fantastic form of late, and maintained a recent run of victories in the league on Saturday with a dramatic two-wicket win at Burnley.

But they were unable to keep that good run going at Lancashire League new boys Darwen.

The hosts made 212-9 with professional Calvin Savage top scoring with 75 from 57 balls, including 13 fours, while Reece Davies (29 not out) and Chris Wade (15 not out) added an unbroken 41 for the last wicket.

Jon Fielding did his best to keep the Darwen total within reach, taking 3-41 for Ramsbottom.

And professional Grant Thomson did his bit with the bat, scoring 61 from 88 balls, including six fours.

Martin Cropper also gave Rammy hope with 32 and Simon Read ended unbeaten on 19, but it was in vain as they were bowled out for 178.

The Rams, of course, still have the county cup to go far, and host Church in the last eight on Sunday, July 23.

In the meantime, the defending champions will be hoping to maintain their momentum in the league after moving up to seventh place with victory over Burnley.

A brilliant unbeaten 55 by young JJ Fielding saw Ramsbottom chase down 223.

It was a tense finish, though. Jhangir Liaqat removed Callum Kay (five) and Cropper (12) cheaply, with his wickets sandwiched between the run-out Parton.

Thomson fought back with 31, but Rammy were four down with only 69 on the board when father and son Jon and JJ Fielding came together at the crease.

Fielding senior dominated a fifth-wicket stand of 107, making 61 from 81 balls with five fours before falling to Burnley professional Chris Holt with the total on 176.

Dale Gabriel (11) helped JJ take the score to 211 in the 46th over before three wickets in four balls from Cole Hayman turned the match on its head.

Jake Neary then helped JJ add an unbroken 16 to seal a dramatic victory.

Thomson had earlier taken 4-60 for Rammy to restrict the Burnley total.