TITLE-CHASING Earby must improve their away record dramatically if they are to win the Vaux Ribblesdale League.

That is the blunt assessment of Applegarth pro Jon Harvey on the eve of a difficult away tie to Gurinder Pal Singh's Ribblesdale Wanderers.

Only two victories have been recorded away from home all season by the team tucked in behind leaders Barnoldswick. And with five away fixtures (including tomorrow's) remaining in their programme, it is a situation, Harvey believes, Earby must address immediately.

"Our away form is poor and needs to be considerably improved," said the 26-year-old who has bladed an impressive 584 runs this season. I can't explain why - we just haven't performed.

"It's not a problem with the wickets or anything like that. Whatever the reason, we must rectify it quickly if we are to maintain the pressure on Barnoldswick, who I think could be vulnerable when placed in a pressure situation."

This impression has been fostered in Harvey by his conviction that Barnoldswick's fortunes rest purely on the shoulders of their pro, James Peterson.

"It's a good job he's playing well," he jibed. He's the anchor of their team, a very good player.

"But there is an over-reliance on him. If he plays well the team plays well, if he fails the team fails. We have a much better strength in depth.

"If we play to our potential I believe we're the best team in the league. Barnoldswick and Read have two excellent pros. It's hard to say whether or not those two teams would be up there without them."

Tomorrow's fixtures: Barnoldswick v Oswaldtwistle Imm, Blackburn N v Baxenden, Cherry Tree v Read, Gt Harwood v Whalley, Padiham v Edenfield, Ribblesdale W v Earby, Settle v Clitheroe.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.