THE Harvey brothers go head-to-head tomorrow when Padiham and Earby clash in the Ramsbottom Cup.

And whoever comes out on top in their sibling rivalry may well lead their side into the semi-finals.

The brothers are the professionals for the two clubs with Mark underpinning the Padiham side and Jonathan carrying the hopes of Earby.

And so far it's younger brother Mark who holds the upper hand in their rare meetings with Padiham winning both encounters in the Ribblesdale League last season.

"It should be a very good game," predicted Mark. "I think there's always a bit of rivalry against your brother.

"We played twice last year and Padiham won so I am sure he will be trying extra hard to beat us."

Current form suggests league leaders Earby may start as favourites with Padiham having lost twice recently to Clitheroe and champions Cherry Tree to surrender top spot.

And at club level 28-year-old Jonathan is currently the form player, having scored more runs than anyone else in the league prior to last weekend's games.

However, Mark's consistent scoring for Lancashire seconds suggest a big score for Padiham could be just around the corner for the 23-year-old.

He added: "It's been a slow start for me for Padiham and I have struggled on the slower, wetter wickets.

"It has gone really well for Lancashire and I feel on top form. Perhaps it needs a slice of luck to turn it around at weekends but I am seeing the ball well and it's about time I got some runs for Padiham." Padiham will also be boosted by the return of veteran all-rounder Stephen Gee from injury, although wicket-keeper Andrew Robinson is unavailable.

Gee was professional at Earby for nine seasons and his wicket-taking prowess is showing no signs of diminishing.

The league title remains a target but the cup offers a more direct route to success, with Whalley or Clitheroe the semi-final opponents for tomorrow's winners at the Arbories.

Tomorrow's other quarter-final sees Ribblesdale Wanderers entertain Great Harwood with the winners going on to face holders Cherry Tree, who have a bye.

Tomorrow's Ramsbottom Cup fixtures: Padiham v Earby, Whalley v Clitheroe, Ribblesdale Wanderers v Great Harwood.

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