COLNE skipper Gary Laycock found an unlikely ally when he claimed that the tag of "underdogs" would mean nothing to his team in tomorrow's Worsley Cup final against East Lancs at Alexandra Meadows.

For his opposite number, East Lancs captain Phil Mercer, totally agreed.

The statistics say something else, with East Lancs clear at the top of the table, holders of the Worsley Cup - having defeated Colne at The Horsfield last season - and already boasting two wins from the league clashes between the clubs this season.

But both of the leaders are adamant that the cup is up for grabs.

Laycock believes the experience gained from their games against East Lancs will give his side a boost.

"We learned a lot from last year's final," he said. "We hadn't played in a final for quite a while and it is a big occasion and a big day out.

"This year it will be different, we know exactly what to expect.

"I suppose when you look at it we are the underdogs but that doesn't bother us one little bit.

"We were in a position to beat East Lancs in both the league games but didn't do it and I have to admit they are a very good side with a good professional in Claude Henderson.

"After they lost some players, I didn't think they would do as well this season but they have proved me wrong. And, like us, they must have a very good team spirit.

"I am sure they will be up for it but so will we and we feel we owe them one."

Despite the fact that Mercer could well lift a league and cup double in his first season as skipper, he is taking nothing for granted.

"I don't see either side as favourites," he said.

"It probably goes in their favour that Joe Scuderi can bat for 50 overs but Claude can only bowl for 10 and I think it's going to be an even game.

"In the league, Claude would normally bowl 25 overs and, in most matches, we have only been using three bowlers.

"That could be the key to the final, how we handle the other 20 overs, and we know we have to work hard to overcome that.

"But we will be at full strength and we have had a very settled side this season.

"It has taken a lot of pressure off me because we have been winning. It might have been different if we had been halfway down the table with people then asking questions.

"But the professional has really helped as well. He has been excellent, he's dedicated and has mixed in very well with everybody."

With bowlers restricted to 10 overs each, a crucial part of Colne's game plan will be to see off Henderson, who has taken 11 wickets in the two league games this summer. But they will also have to watch veteran Ian Haworth, who has collected 8-66 in those fixtures.

"We don't have many specialists, everybody chips in and as long as we support the professional, who has done really well for us, then I'll be happy," said Laycock, whose only selection problem is who to leave out.

Colne have not won the Worsley Cup for 30 years but tomorrow's game promises to be close and is likely to produce fewer runs at East Lancs than it would at The Horsfield.

But both captains echoed similar wishes - that the final produces a game to fit the occasion.

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