NAEEM Ashraf believes Cherry Tree will stay top of the Ribblesdale League because of the club's family atmosphere, writes BRIAN DOOGAN.

The 24-year-old from Lahore, Pakistan, has been a revelation at Preston Old Road.

He has claimed only two less wickets - 33 - than the League's leading wicket-taker, Jonathan Fielding of Clitheroe, and has bladed an impressive 281 in his nine innings.

He is a commanding figure and the rock around which Cherry Tree have made their charge to the summit of the table.

But Naeem puts the club's success down to team spirit and the fact that they are "one, big, happy family".

"I am really enjoying myself here because everyone has been so welcoming," said Naeem.

"The team spirit is good all the way through.

"I think that's why we are in our strong position, challenging from the front.

"And we are really fired up to go all the way."

Naeem is especially grateful to Dr Musrat Ali for making it over to the Ribblesdale League this summer.

Two years ago he suffered an horrific injury when his kneecap was cracked during a game as he bent down to collect a ball.

It is only this year that he has been able to resume his career which he has done with style.

"When it happened I thought I would never play again," he said.

"It was painful but the thought of no more Cricket made it so difficult to bear. "So I worked hard and my doctor worked hard to get me back in the game.

"I did a lot of exercise, gym-work and jogging.

"And thankfully I was able to play again."

In Pakistan's end-of-season tournament, the Wills Cup, Naeem's performances for National Bank were outstanding.

He was named in Pakistan's squad of 20 for the Independence Cup in India four weeks ago and he believes he can make it back to the full Pakistan team.

In 1995 he made 24 not out in a one-day international against India, his only outing for his country.

"I am very hopeful that I can get back onto the team," he said.

But it is tomorrow's Vaux Ramsbottom Cup semi-final against Edenfield that are uppermost in his thoughts. "We will go about the job with determination and enthusiasm," he said.

Semi-finals: Cherry Tree v Edenfield, Barnoldswick v Ribblesdale Wanderers.

Read are at home to Southport and Birkdale tomorrow in the last 16 of the Lancashire Cricket Board knockout cup.

Mark Rushton has relinquished the Baxenden captaincy after a recent loss of form. Glyn Hargreaves will replace him.

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