CHERRY Tree are aiming to become the first side in ten years to win the Ramsbottom Cup in successive seasons when they travel to Great Harwood for Sunday's semi-final clash.

And victory for the Preston Old Road side would move them a step closer to securing a double-double, having won the league and cup last season.

But Cherry Tree will have to make do without influential skipper David Hayes who has been sidelined with a broken thumb he injured a few weeks ago. He said: "I'll be the most nervous spectator at the match. It's absolutely horrible watching a game from the sidelines when you are injured but I have every confidence in the side."

Andy Holroyd will lead the side in Hayes' absence in a game the club captain admits will be a tough test.

He said: "Great Harwood a good side with young players. They have strengthened their side since the beginning of the season with some important players coming back in. So they will provide a very tough test for us."

However, talks of a double-double are being put on hold at the moment - well at least until after the weekend.

Hayes added: "We are currently top of the league and in the semi finals of the cup so we are in a very good position. But it is not talking about repeating our feats of last season until after the weekend."

Saturday, league: Barnoldswick v Padiham, Blackburn N v Earby, Cherry Tree v Settle, Clitheroe v Whalley, Gt Harwood v Read, Oswaldtwistle v Edenfield, Ribblesdale W v Baxenden.

Sunday, cup: Earby v Whalley, Gt Harwood v Cherry Tree.

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