SCOTT PEARCE has a chance to prove to Cherry Tree that they were wrong to let him go last season when Great Harwood take on the league leaders in Saturday's top-of-the-table clash (July 5.

The powerful Australian enjoyed two seasons as professional at Preston Old Road but was released last year despite averaging nearly 1,000 runs a season.

But now among the amateur ranks at Great Harwood, Pearce is looking to exact his revenge - and get his side's title charge back on course.

It is a game third-placed Harwood can ill afford to lose as they trail all-conquering Cherry Tree by 16 points - but Pearce is in run-making mood having made nearly 300 runs in the Ribblesdale League so far this season. And with another vital clash against second-placed Clitheroe on Sunday, it is a weekend that could make or break Great Harwood's season. Great Harwood, who started the season as title favourites and opened their account with a win against Cherry Tree, have seen their hopes fade after a string of poor results.

So double victory is vital this weekend if they are to maintain a serious bet for the title.

Fixtures: Saturday (July 5): Barnoldswick v Padiham, Baxenden v Clitheroe, Gt Harwood v Cherry Tree, Osw Immanuel v Edenfield, Read v Blackburn N, Ribblesdale W v Settle, Whalley v Earby. Sunday: Barnoldswick v Edenfield, Baxenden v Read, Blackburn N v Earby, Cherry Tree v Whalley, Gt Harwood v Clitheroe, Settle v Osw Immanuel, Padiham v Ribblesdale W.

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