RAMSBOTTOM skipper Tom Parton believes his side are more than capable of chasing down Lancashire League leaders Walsden and winning the title this season.

Newcomers Walsden have won all 13 of their league matches so far this term to set a blistering pace at the top of the table.

Rammy are currently third, 19 points off the summit and three behind second placed Lowerhouse.

Parton’s side have lost just twice in the league this season and also have the T20 finals day to look forward to on their own patch next week.

And the skipper wants to keep the pressure on Walsden with a win over Colne tomorrow.

“We are still in the mix,” said Parton whose side bounced back from defeat to Clitheroe to overcome East Lancashire last time out.

“Walsden have been excellent. Looking at their scorecards they certainly seem to entertain and you definitely get your money’s worth watching them but we have just got to keep trying to keep the pressure on them.

“Playing everyone just once really puts the pressure on this season. Ordinarily you know you are going to get a chance to get those points back if you lose but that’s not the case this season.

“If we can just keep picking up the wins then that is all we can do. We are looking to string together a few results now.

“It was important we bounced back from the defeat against Clitheroe. The games against Colne and Great Harwood in the next two weeks is an opportunity to get two more wins and make sure we are in a strong position heading into August.

“We also want to maintain as much momentum as possible for the T20.”

Parton is a fitness doubt for finals day having suffered a knee injury in the win over East Lancashire but he is working hard to be back in action for the semi-final against Darwen.

He added: “I will hopefully be fully fit for the back end of the season, it is a knee injury which is just wear and tear really. I am hoping to play a part in the T20 finals day next week.”

Parton’s injury meant he left the field of play early in the weekend win over East Lancashire leaving vice captain Simon Hanson in charge.

And the extra responsibility didn’t affect the opener who took five wickets and then made 37 as Rammy comfortably chased down their target of 90.

“He got five wickets and then came in and batted really well,” Parton said of Hanson.

“He has got a couple of 50s as well this season and has taken on the vice captain which just shows how he has become a key part of the team. He bowls medium pace and is a good leader for us to have.

“He was thrust into captaincy when I had to leave the field so to deal with that and perform like that shows how good a player he is.”