CRAIG Walton is enjoying his time back in the Jennings Ribblesdale League with Earby as he chases silverware on three fronts.

The former Nelson batsman, who has returned to the Applegarth side this season, is not only doing well for his double-chasing club but made a vital contribution in helping the Ribblesdale League team to the final of the inter-league knockout competition on Sunday.

Opener Walton made 40 before being run out in his side's 156-9 before the Lancashire County League fell 23 runs short.

They will now face the Bolton League as the Ribblesdale League strive to win the trophy for the first time on Sunday, August 12.

"It was a long day on Sunday but an enjoyable one in the end," admitted Craig, who lives in Earby and rejoined his home-town side from Seedhill 'for a change' and because his boss Ian Clarkson is skipper of Earby!

"We all had mixed emotions as we sat there for three hours watching the rain come down before we finally got started at four o'clock.

"It was reduced to 30 overs and they were a similar standard to us but we were aware they had won it for the last two years.

"I didn't feel nervous though. I don't tend to get nerves. I just get on with my game and I am quite positive.

"I suppose for me it doesn't mean as much as it does to the other lads from the Ribblesdale League who have played in this competition for years and got to the final but never won it.

"I could sense how much it meant to them and there was quite a big crowd watching despite the weather."

Craig admitted he enjoys teaming up with the other lads who he is more used to playing against week in week out.

"There is a lot of friendly banter. Well most of it's friendly!

"Only joking, we all get on really well and it is great to play with some of the best players from the other sides.

"It also gives you a chance to catch up with a few friends from the other sides -- especially when it's raining!"

While Craig hopes to be part of that winning team he also aims to get at least one piece of silverware with Earby come the end of the season.

The club are going great guns in the league -- in third spot and face a huge game against league leaders Read on Saturday.

And then Craig will be out to upset his league side skipper Michael Scothern, who held firm to bowl a tight six-over spell which cost just ten runs to secure the Ribblesdale League side a last two place.

Craig will meet Mike's Barnoldswick side in the semi-final of the Jennings Ramsbottom Cup at Applegarth on Sunday.

"It is a huge weekend for us," said Craig. "Read are a good side and have a good professional.

"Our league game was rained off early in the season but we beat them in the first round of the Ramsbottom Cup so I'm sure they will be out for revenge.

"I'm only in my first year back at Earby but they last won the title in 1996 so there is a bit of pressure as I know how much they would love to win it again.

"And I'm confident if we can get passed Barnoldswick in the semi-final we can win the Ramsbottom Cup although I don't want to tempt fate.

"I just hope to get some silverware from this season."

The final of the inter-league knockout competition will be played at a Ribblesdale League ground with the venue to be decided this weekend.