DESPITE a magnificent performance with both bat and ball from their Indian professional, Ramsbottom still remain in third position in the Lancashire League with only one match remaining and their chances of winning the championship appear remote.

At the start of the game against Accrington the Acre Bottom lads knew a maximum points victory was a must and so skipper Hevingham had no hesitation in asking the opposition to bat first after winning the toss.

However the wicket was very easy paced and with the Accrington openers opting for caution rather than runs, it took 16 overs before Kartik beat the defence of Sneddon.

Two overs later he turned the screw by having the Accrington sub pro caught at silly mid off by the alert Read and next ball trapping Crabtree leg before without offering a shot.

Runs came at a slow pace and although wickets fell intermittently opener Mohsin Ahmed remained at the crease and was the only batsman showing any kind of confidence against the Rammy pro.

He eventually fell in the 46th over cruelly run out going for the run which would have given him a dogged but well deserved half century.

This left the Rams with two wickets to take but try as they may the Accrington tail-end looked like they were going to survive.

Mick Haslam eventually struck with the last ball of the penultimate over but the last pair survived to the final ball of the innings when Kartik's arm ball scattered Clarke's stumps.

The relief was almost tangible and Kartik was applauded off the wicket for a magnificent return of 7 for 47 off his 25 overs.

Those who thought the show was all over soon were in for another treat as the Indian test player showed the crowd his talents with the bat smashing the Accrington attack all over the park.

Ably assisted by the Bell brothers - Alex with a quickfire 26 and David a cultured 18 not out - Kartik made a magnificent 72 not out to complete a brilliant all-round performance which saw the Rams home with 25 overs to spare.