RAMSBOTTOM opened their Lancashire League campaign with a comfortable victory over an uninspiring Rishton team on Sunday.

A blistering start brought 30 in the first three overs but then the Rams lost Tom Parton and Martin Cropper before professional Daryn Smit, Dale Gabriel (22) and captain Robert Read (38) took the score from 38 to 179.

With the arrival of Jon Fielding at the crease with seven overs remaining the pace of the innings exploded with 72 being plundered in the last seven overs, while Smit scored the remaining 71 to finish on 137 not out, by far his highest score for Ramsbottom as the hosts totalled 251-4.

The Rishton batting proved no more testing than their bowling.

Once Michael Haslam and Simon Read had ripped through the visitors top order including Prestwich pro Martin Walters, who was sub pro for Rishton, the only question was how quick and by what margin the victory would come.

In the end Ramsbottom wrapped up Rishton innings within 31 overs with Jon Fielding and Daryn Smit claiming three easy wickets a piece with the visitors all out for 66.

The challenge this weekend can be expected to be much sterner. On Saturday, champions Lowerhouse are at Acrebottom and then on Sunday there is a trip to Enfield