THEY may be separated by the length of the table but in David Usher and Naeem Ashraf, Baxenden and leaders Cherry Tree have two of the most prolific batsmen in the league.

With both professionals nearing the 600 mark for the season, Saturday's confrontation should be an intriguing affair with Baxenden looking to do what no other side has managed in months - beat Cherry Tree.

Skipper Glynn Hargreaves believes his side are under no pressure to win while Cherry Tree dare not slip up with Clitheroe ready to pounce in the two horse race for the Ribblesdale League.

He said: "Cherry Tree are definitely the best side in the league and by rights should go on and win it. But that does not mean this weekend's clash is a foregone conclusion and they will know they have been in a match. They may appear to be unbeatable but they have to lose sometime and with no pressure on us it could be our day."

He added: "Despite our position David Usher has had a tremendous season and could help us grab the mid-table position we are striving for. It should be a interesting meeting with Naeem as both men are true match winners." Fixtures: Saturday: Barnoldswick v Whalley, Baxenden v Cherry Tree, Blackburn N v Ribblesdale W, Clitheroe v Earby, Gt Harwood v Settle, Padiham v Edenfield, Read v Osw Immanuel.

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