Half centuries from professional Pieter Malan and Harry Dearden helped fourth-placed Ramsbottom make 180-4 against Lancashire Leage rivals Nelson at Acre Bottom.

Malan hit seven fours and a six in making 59 and passing 800 runs for the season while Dearden hit six fours and a six in his 53. Rob Faulkner also made 41 and Rob Read an unbeaten 18.

Rain prevented Nelson from replying. Meanwhile, Rammy skipper Jon Fielding has heaped praise on his young wicketkeeper Tom Parton.

He believes the 18-year-old has got just what it takes to become a star of the future.

Parton is at the top of the Lancashire League victims chart having already picked up 35 catches and stumpings so far this season.

But in addition he has already passed 400 runs and veteran spinner Fielding says there is much more to come from Parton.

“He is a very good wicketkeeper,” he said.

“But there is more than that from him and he is scoring plenty of runs too.

“I reckon he can get 600 or 700 runs this season – he is certainly on track for that – and you would take that any time from your wicketkeeper.

“And those runs are all the more impressive because he spent a while earlier in the campaign batting down the order, so he has done really well.”

Parton is part of the Lancashire under-19s set up and Fielding is sure that his man can go on and enjoy a long and successful career.

“He’s probably the best wicketkeeper/batsman in the league,” he added.

“His glove work is terrific, both stood back and when he is stood up.”