CLITHEROE captain Neil Bolton knows there is only one thing to do if he wins the toss in the game against Earby tomorrow - go in to bat, writes NINA HAIGH.

Not only have the Jennings Ribblesdale League side got a better record this season when they have batted first, but Bolton knows that his players would lynch him if he chose to field, prising them away from the England-Denmark match in the process.

"I don't think I'd be a very popular captain if I won the toss and chose to field," he laughed.

"Everyone will be thinking about the England game. We are meeting early so we can watch some of it at least before our game starts.

"Our best bet is to bat first anyway, we have only won one game this season when we have batted second.

"Our pro, Dextor Fitton, is a big fan of batting second and I agree with him. We batted second against Cherry Tree and Great Harwood - experienced sides - and when they put a big total on it set us back, the lads lose confidence - I think it is because we have so many young players. When they bat first they haven't got a figure in their heads."

Clitheroe have won four - just two less than leaders Barnoldswick - and lost four this season and Bolton knows they are on the brink of either a great season or a mediocre one.

"It's a hit and miss kind of season. Sometimes we are awful, sometimes we are alright.

"We have got two big games this weekend against Earby tomorrow and Barnoldswick in the Ramsbottom Cup on Sunday.

"If we win both our season's on fire, if we lose both we are struggling.

"Barlick were unlucky not to beat us in the league match not so long ago, we were saved by the rain so we have got to put in a better performance on Sunday. The cup suits us more because we have five good bowlers. Hopefully we will put in a better show.

"They just lost for the first time last weekend, and that must have put a bit of doubt in their minds, so if we can put in a good performance we should be okay. I have played in a Ramsbottom Cup winning side, nine years ago, and it's a tremendous day, a great experience and a big crowd. Our lads won't be used to playing in front of a crowd that big - there are usually around 400 watching."

At least on Sunday the side shouldn't have the World Cup on their minds - the quarter final against Brazil will be five days away!

Fixtures: Baxenden v Edenfield, Blackburn Northern v Oswaldtwistle I, Cherry Tree v Ribblesdale Wanderers, Clitheroe v Earby, Gt Harwood v Padiham, Read v Barnoldswick, Whalley v Settle.