RELUCTANT hero Paul Houldsworth will step down as captain of Great Harwood this weekend even though he stands on the verge of becoming the most successful skipper in the club's history, writes ANDY NEILD.

Just six days after leading his team to Ramsbottom Cup glory, Houldsworth and his Cliffe Parke team-mates now have the chance to clinch an historic double by delivering Harwood's first league title in over a century.

But, as he contemplates the prospect of re-writing the record books, the modest skipper still insists he's not worthy of leading the side as he prepares for a championship showdown with Cherry Tree.

"I've made my intentions perfectly clear that even if we win the double, I'll still be stepping down because I don't believe I'm cut out for the job to be honest," said Houldsworth.

"My personality doesn't really suit the captaincy. I'm fairly easy going and I just enjoy playing my cricket.

"I don't like leaving people out and I'm not a fan of all the grief that goes with the job.

"So it's probably better that someone like Ian Threlfall takes over."

With everything to play for going into the final day, Harwood must beat rock-bottom Edenfield and hope that third-placed Baxenden can topple league-leaders Cherry Tree in order to clinch their first title since 1900.

But, though they appear to have the easier game on paper, Houldsworth insists his side have it all to do if they are to bring to an end 100 years of hurt.

"It's out of our hands, to be honest," said Houldsworth.

"Ideally, it needs us to win our game quickly then for that news to filter through to Cherry Tree, which might just put them under a bit of pressure.

"But I've got to say I'm surprised it's even gone this far because I expected them to wrap it up last week."

The only reason the Blackburn club didn't secure their second title in five years last Saturday was purely down to the weather as Whalley's shock victory ensured the title race went right to the wire.

"It was a blow we didn't wrap it up then," said Cherry Tree skipper David Hayes.

"We didn't play particularly well, to be honest, but we only needed two to win at the end and to not finish the job off was very disappointing.

"But we are still in pole position and it's only ours to throw away now.

"I think there'll be pressure on both teams tomorrow but the plus point from our point of view is it's in our own hands."

If the games go to form, then Hayes and his team-mates will be the ones cracking open the champagne.

But the wily skipper is experienced enough to know his side cannot afford to leave anything to chance against dangerous opponents.

"I think our lads are quietly confident but we've got to improve on our batting from last weekend because we looked a bit nervous at times," said Hayes.

"We know Baxenden have got some players with Lancashire League experience so we certainly can't afford to underestimate them.

"But, if we perform to our potential, then I firmly believe we've got the quality to shine through."

As for Harwood, a lot is again likely to rest on the shoulders of professional Farhan Adil, who steered his side to victory with a match-winning knock of 91 against Earby in the Ramsbottom Cup final.

Harwood officials were due to meet last night to discuss the possibility of re-signing him for next season.

And Houldsworth is hoping another big score will guarantee his return.

"We spoke to our chairman after the cup final and made it plain that we want him back," said Houldsworth.

"He's got 1150 runs and over 40 wickets and, as far as I'm concerned, he's got better and better as the season has gone on."

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