A RIBBLESDALE League representative side take on the Bolton League in the inter-league cup final tomorrow with an added incentive to win.

Rumour has it that the Bolton squad is made up of mainly overseas players -- which the Ribblesdale League does not allow -- and this could work against the home side.

"They're a very strong team," said Ribblesdale League captain Michael Scothern who will lead the side at Edenfield tomorrow.

"We beat them in the semi-final two years ago so they will be looking for revenge.

"But I hear that they are going to have a few overseas players in their side which I am not too sure about.

"We won't allow overseas players and I'm not sure about the ethics of playing semi-professionals, if you like, in the side.

"But that makes us all the more determined to beat them."

The Ribblesdale side, who were beaten finalists two years ago, the last time Scothern was captain, have beaten the Central Lancs League and the Lancashire County League to get to the final. They have never won the competition.

The Ramsbottom Cup final between Great Harwood and Earby had to be postponed in favour of the game but Scothern says that is no indication of the league's confidence their side would get to the final.

"We had a new fixtures secretary this year so it was just a mix-up," he said. Playing for the representative side gives the players the chance to play with the elite in their league. But it can also lead to disharmony with so many players from different teams involved.

"I think in the past there was a problem with rivalry which hasn't gone down too well.

"But this is the best team spirit I have seen from a representative side.

"I personally enjoy playing in this competition because you get to play with the best players against the best players.

"There are some players who refuse to play for the representative side but the best thing about our team this year is that everyone really wants to play and win."

SQUAD: Ian Scothern, Michael Scothern, Paul Beech (all Barnoldswick), Ian Haworth (Great Harwood), Dave Usher (Baxenden), Michael Whalley, Warren Eastham, Oliver Newby (all Read), Uma Saddique, Quasim Ali (Padiham) and Dave O'Neill (Whalley)