LANCASHIRE League champions Ramsbottom could be without their Springbok professional Grant Thomson for next month’s big LCB Knockout Cup semi-final against Ormskirk.

Rammy are due to lock horns with the Liverpool and District Competition leaders on Sunday, August 20, days after Thomson is due to return to South Africa for the start of pre-season training.

“Grant has spoken to the people in South Africa and he is quite hopeful he might be able to extend his stay by a week, meaning he could play in the final,” said experienced all-rounder Jon Fielding.

“We don’t know for certain yet, but it would be a fabulous boost because it is such a massive tie.

“It would be an incredible honour for Ramsbottom to play at Old Trafford in a final and Acre Bottom is going to be full for the semi-final.

“We face a very good Ormskirk team, but we have the opportunity to be top of the tree in club cricket in Lancashire if we win the trophy and that would be a fantastic achievement.”

Rammy eased past Church by six wickets in the previous round, led by skipper Tom Parton’s 81.

Ramsbottom turn their attention to the defence of their championship trophy at Great Harwood on Sunday, with Fielding convinced they can still keep a grip on the silverware they won in such style 10 months ago.

“Our next game is the last one before the league split, and make no mistake we still believe we can do it because it is going to be dog-eat-dog in August and September,” said Fielding.

“Darwen look the best side in the league, but there is an awful long way to go yet and it still wide open for any team to put a big run together and hopefully that will be us.”

Rammy were edged out with seven balls to spare in last weekend’s league encounter at third place Clitheroe and Fielding added: “Callum Kay (63), our top scorer, was terrific and we bowled very well.

“We are finding a bit of form and are only a couple of wins from top spot.”