READ bounced back into championship contention in the Vaux Ribblesdale Cricket League, with their vital win over leaders Barnoldswick.

But James Peterson, the Barnoldswick professional, discounts suggestions that Read have gained any advantage going into Sunday's Ramsbottom Cup showpiece when the two teams are set to clash again at Clitheroe's Chatburn Road ground.

"Psychologically, they might feel they have an edge but I don't think so," said Peterson.

"Both teams will still have the same sort of respect for each other.

"We know that if we play well we are as good as any side in the league and they know they are in a similar position.

"I think we have the nous not to let it get us down and to lift ourselves back up."

The Australian doesn't hide his admiration of the other teams in what is becoming quite a scramble for the title.

"When you look at some of the other sides like Earby and Great Harwood for example, you can't see them losing another game," he said.

"But of course they do. Everyone has been beating everyone else.

"Our game on Sunday was close and I don't think we approached our run chase in the correct way.

"If we are going to win the league we have to learn from Sunday's defeat.

"When we had them at 45 for five, we should really have rammed it home instead of being happy to let things go along.

"Then we should have attempted to try and chase the runs in 30 overs instead of letting the run rate get too much for us."

Sunday's final, however, is a different day, different game and Peterson is keeping his fingers crossed that Clitheroe's more spacious Chatburn Road ground will suit his side compared to Read's tight home base.

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