RIBBLESDALE WANDERERS captain David Howard has backed Cherry Tree to take the Jennings Ribblesdale League title this season.

Howard lifted the trophy for Wanderers last year but after a disappointing start to this season he resigned himself to relinquishing the crown.

And he has backed league leaders Cherry Tree to keep hold of top spot until the end of the season.

"I just don't see them losing a game between now and the end of the season," said Howard.

"It is just their form in the last few weeks, since they knocked Read off the top, that makes me think they'll do it, especially now that Gary Bolton is back.

"They have got a good set of players, experienced players who have been there and done it before.

"I don't see them throwing it away but I think Great Harwood will probably push them all the way."

Read, who topped the table since the beginning of June, were knocked off for 24 hours a fortnight ago and were more permanently dislodged last weekend after they suffered two defeats.

They now trail Cherry Tree by eight points.

"Fair play to Read for being up there because I didn't think they would be," said Howard.

"They've got a good pro but I don't think they have the batting strength to win the league although they have got a good bowling side.

"I don't think Blackburn Northern could do it either because they're a one-man side. If their pro doesn't perform nobody else does either."

He defended Ribblesdale Wanderers' record this season, saying the club have suffered injuries and the loss of key players.

"I know it is a cliche but we have had a lot of injuries and the pro hasn't been performing to his usual standard.

"I have been out with a ligament injury and Martin Briggs has torn ligaments and we lost two good players from last year.

"Mike Ward and David O'Neill have gone and you can't afford to lose players like that and not replace them and we didn't replace them."