BAXENDEN were one of the few teams who were able to smile as the rain poured down last Saturday -- especially Peter Usher.

The skipper could not believe his team got a result from their game against Ribblesdale Wanderers as the other top sides were forced to sit in their pavilions twiddling their thumbs.

The seven points moved them to level on points with second placed Read -- and back in the Jennings Ribblesdale League title hunt within striking distance of Cherry Tree at the top.

"It was about time we had a bit of luck. I think in the three years I have been here we have never got a game on when the others have been called off," said the Baxenden captain.

Usher took five wickets in Saturday's win and pro Jon Harvey took the other five as Ribblesdale were dismissed for 178.

The Back Lane side secured the victory on run rate at 111-6 off 25 overs, with Simon Payne making a crucial unbeaten 42.

"It was a very vital win," continued Usher. "Everybody showed their character in this game and if you are going to win anything, this is what you need."

And he will be calling on his old club Padiham to do him a favour this Saturday when leaders Cherry Tree travel to the Arbories.

"I will be giving Padiham captain Andy McNicholas a ring. Their pro can win it himself on the day -- and we hope he'll do it for us on Saturday."

And while they are doing that, Baxenden have the small matter of Read to contend with at Whalley Road.

"They are a good side. Nick Marsh has been playing down their strengths but I played there for three years and I know them well. It should be a great game."

Baxenden last won the league back in 1993 and were a bottom half of the table side last season, finishing tenth. And so whatever happens this season, the Back Lane side have made good progress.

"We got a couple of new recruits at the start of the season. We got two lads from Lowerhouse Simon Payne and Andrew Chippendale and they have done well.

"And Jon Harvey has been the catalyst. He has got 50 wickets already and we signed him as a batting pro!

"And he's got around 1000 runs.

"But even when he has failed in three or four games, we have still come up with the goods. The team has batting depth. I thought we might be short of one good bowler at the start of the season but it hasn't proved the case."

Cherry Tree are still many people's favourites to clinch the championship.

"In their last five matches, they have four at home," said Usher. "They know their wickets and they are in the strongest position."

But Usher hopes to keep Baxenden in with a shout.

"To be honest, we do not talk about the championship.

"We would be happy to be runners-up or in the top four for the Lancashire Knock-out Cup.

"But I must admit I did look at the web-site at the start of the season and a couple of captains did tip us as shock outsiders.

"I was quite pleased and we'll see. It wil be an interesting run-in especially as we have Cherry Tree in the final game of the season!"