JONATHAN Fielding does not shy away from the fact that it's crunch time for Clitheroe and their hopes of Vaux Ribblesdale League honours, writes PETER WHITE.

In fact, the talented all-rounder is relishing the prospect as Clitheroe attempt to make up for the disappointments of last summer when they could only finish second despite a massive total of 124 points.

And the Chatburn Road professional acknowledges that games do not come much bigger this season than tomorrow's visit to double-holders Cherry Tree.

"It's a must-win game, or one that we certainly cannot afford to lose," said Fielding.

"They are eight points in front of us and if we were to lose seven points it would be a struggle to catch up.

"That makes it a big, big game for us and our season could be decided over the next five or six games.

"In that time we have to play most of the other teams at the top, starting with Cherry Tree.

"And if we can do well in those matches then we are capable of going on to win it.

"We have won against the top teams this season but then we have succumbed to others who - with no disrespect - we should have beaten.

"That inconsistency has cost us because there are four or five teams involved this year, unlike last season when it was just us and Cherry Tree.

"If you lose one game now, three or four teams can gain on you and it is important that we keep putting the pressure on the rest."

Fielding was in top form as Clitheroe crushed Settle last weekend, taking 6-26 before leading the victory cruise with the bat for an unbeaten 29.

"That was a good confidence booster for us," added the pro whose performances with both bat and ball have helped keep Clitheroe in the top bracket, currently lying fifth 10 points behind leaders Padiham.

Tomorrow's games: Barnoldswick v Settle; Cherry Tree v Clitheroe; Earby v Read; Oswaldtwistle Imm v Blackburn N; Padiham v Edenfield; Ribblesdale W v Gt Harwood; Whalley v Baxenden.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.