RAMSBOTTOM professional Daryn Smit took on and defeated a fiercely competitive Lowerhouse team single-handedly by taking 6-41 and then scoring 90 not out on his way to passing 1,000 runs for the season.

On a slightly green sporty wicket, Rammy had twice looked like heading for defeat with Lowerhouse's Jon Whitehead hitting 63 with some sumptuous straight drives having been beaten past the outside edge a number of times by both Simon Read and Michael Haslam.

At 132-3 with the best part of 20 overs left, it looked probable that the home team would progress to a commanding score well beyond the means of a stuttering Ramsbottom batting line up.

But then on came Smit and he quickly had Whitehead neatly caught at the wicket by Tom Parton and from there Lowerhouse entered into a decline losing their next six wickets for 50 runs and allowing Rammy the added bonus of bowling points.

Even so 183 presented a significant challenge particularly when the unsolicited application of the heavy roller put some spite and pace back into the pitch.

Cobus Pienaar roared in and Ramsbottom were reduced to 13-3. From that point the prospect of a win appeared remote but Smit dug in. The pace went out of the pitch and stands of 41 with Andy Holt (18), 53 with Jon Fielding (24) all flicks and and then 45 with Dale Gabriel inched Ramsbottom towards the target.

The demise of Gabriel whose attempt at a ramp shot served only to show how difficult a shot that is outside first class circles, followed immediately By Rob Read left Ramsbottom needed 30 off the last three overs.

However, Smit seemingly untroubled by the prospect that two good balls would leave him high and dry seized the moment with two fours through square leg.

With the aid of leg byes, 16 runs came from the third last overs, 10 off the next the highlight an imperious off drive for four from Simon Read leaving just four of the last as Rammy finished 186-8.