CHERRY TREE'S Nigel Robbins is well-known as a batsman who bowls a bit.

But after taking eight wickets for 40 runs against Clitheroe last weekend it might be time for him to start calling himself a bowler who bats a bit.

The 37-year-old former Blackburn Northern player, who lives in Blackburn, has picked up many awards over the years for his batting prowess.

He won the TSB player of the year trophy in 1993, the 'Most Six Hits' award in 1986 and 1993 and got the league's highest innings score in 1994 (138) and in 1996 (172 not out).

But since moving to Cherry Tree - Blackburn Northern's arch-rivals - via Northern Premier League side Darwen, Robbins' bowling has really come on - he even topped the league's bowling averages last season.

And he says all he wants now is for his knees to last a few more years so he gets the chance to play alongside his son, Sam, who is still just 10 years old.

"I suppose I am more famous for batting than bowling," he said. "So it was a pleasant surprise to take eight wickets on Saturday. I have been threatening to take a few wickets for a while but not that many.

"I am not an opening bowler, just first or second change, and getting eight wickets is a bit like getting 150 runs as a batsman - not many people do it."

The Clitheroe win allowed Cherry Tree to sneak into second place in the Jennings Ribblesdale League - ahead of Earby and just behind league leaders Barnoldswick, two teams who were supposed to play each other on Saturday but were called off because of the rain.

"It doesn't matter that no one else played - we'll take it however it comes," said Robbins, one of the more experienced players in the famously 30-something side.

"We knew we were just about the only game on and that put the pressure on. I think our experience is telling," he said.

"Over the past few years when it gets to this stage we have been there or there abouts and I think that is down to experience.

"It is so important. It's nice to see the young lads coming through but in games like last weekend and this weekend, the Ramsbottom Cup final, you can't beat experience and that is why we usually come through."

Cherry Tree, champions last year and double winners in 1997, hope to repeat their league and cup-winning feat this season, but need first to see of Earby in the league on Saturday and then defeat Settle in the Ramsbottom Cup final on Sunday.

"Settle have been the dark horses this season," he said.

"They have got more of a steady bowling line-up and a decent pro.

"They haven't got the strongest of batting line-ups but they have people on the day who could do it. If they post a score they have the bowling line-up capable of winning the game.

"But it is great to be involved in these things. I have enjoyed my cricket here more than at any other time.

"Success breeds enjoyment and I think this will be something like my ninth final in 12 years.

"We have played in two in the last three years but have lost them both so hopefully it will be third time lucky for me.

"But I am just loving getting up and playing at the moment - even though if I bowl 18 overs I am crippled the next day!

"I am just hoping I am still playing when my son Samuel starts playing senior cricket.

"I would love to play in the same side as him - even if it was only the Seconds or Thirds - I think most dads would say that."