EARBY may look up at Cherry Tree and Clitheroe with envy as the two sides battle it for the Ribblesdale League but the men from Applegarth have their own fight on their hands.

For the defending champions are locked in a four way scrap for the third spot which would book an automatic place in next season's Lancashire Knockout Cup.

Currently in sixth place and with a clash against championship chasing Clitheroe coming up on Saturday, Earby could be classed as the outside bet.

But club secretary Brian Traill is confident his young side can call on the experience of last year's title charge to come top of the Ribblesdale 'alternative' league.

"It's like two leagues in one at the moment," admitted Traill. "Cherry Tree and Clitheroe are running away with the league and there is a separate battle for third spot."

He added: "We have lost some silly games this season which have ruined our own title chances but if we find the right form there is no reason why we can't come third - that is our aim anyway."

With professional Jonathan Harvey in blistering form with 550 runs and 46 wickets to his name and Stephen Hipgrave giving a captain's performance with 245 runs and 30 wickets, the Applegarth side have every chance of coming third.

Triall added: "We still have to play a few teams who are battling it out for that third spot so it is still in our own hands."

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