BARNOLDSWICK skipper Mike Scothern today insisted his Jennings Ribblesdale League table-toppers have what it takes to 'go the distance' in the fight for the title.

Barlick are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table thanks to an impressive haul of seven wins from their opening 11 games.

And with tomorrow's league programme marking the halfway point in the season, hopes are high at Victory Park of a first title success for the club since the victorious summer of 1992.

"We've got to be delighted with the start we've made to the season and there's no reason why we can't stay where we are because we've certainly got the players," said Scothern.

"We had a bit of a blip a couple of weeks ago but we got back on the winning trail with an excellent victory over Whalley last weekend and we've got the belief to go all the way."

This season's blistering start contrasts starkly with the club's form last summer when they finished well off the title pace in 10th place.

And Scothern has put the sudden change in fortunes down to the arrival of professional Clinton Peake.

"Clinton has had a major input into the team since he arrived," said the skipper.

"Before he came we perhaps lacked a bit of focus but now our net sessions are far more organised and he's put some proper fielding drills into operation.

"As a result, he seems to have got us all playing together as a team and that's been one of the key reasons behind our decent start."

However, Barnoldswick's title credentials are sure to be put to the test tomorrow when Blackburn Northern are the visitors to Victory Park.

Scothern, a seasoned campaigner in the Ribblesdale League, has the utmost respect for Northern paceman Ata-ur-Rehman.

And he believes his team will need to draw on all their new-found unity if they are to survive their meeting with the former Pakistani Test star.

"Ata's a very good bowler and he's one of those players who makes things happen," said the captain. "He's probably not the quickest in the league but he always puts it on the spot and makes it very difficult for batsmen to score.

"And not only that, but he can also be very destructive with the bat, too, so we've got to be focused."

A win for Barlick tomorrow would see them start the second half of the season on top of the table - depending on the outcome of today's games.

And that could give them a major psychological advantage in what could turn out to be one of the closest championship races in recent history with all of the top eight still in the hunt for the title.

"It's a long time since we last won some silverware and it would be nice to put that right," said Scothern. "I know being top of the table brings it's own pressure but it's the best place to be.

"I'd like us to be there once we reach the halfway point and then there's no reason why we can't stay there providing everyone stays fit."

Tomorrow's games: Barnoldswick v Blackburn Northern, Cherry Tree v Baxenden, Oswaldtwistle Imm v Padiham, Read v Clitheroe, Ribblesdale W v Earby, Settle v Edenfield, Whalley v Great Harwood.