CUP clashes always throws up a bit of extra spice and Great Harwood's trip to Barnoldswick for the semi-final of the Ramsbottom Cup is no exception.

For the cup holders' fiery professional Chris Killen was once a favourite at the Victory Park side and helped them lift the Ribblesdale League title back in 1992.

But that was then and come Sunday the powerful Aussie is sure to have a 'warm' reception from the home crowd.

"Chris is really going to be fired up for this one," said Great Harwood skipper Geoff Allen. "He was a real favourite there but that will count for nothing come Sunday."

Killen has been in superb form this season for Great Harwood taking over 30 wickets so far.

Allen added: "Bowling has not been a problem for us but to be honest our batting has been appalling. We've been in situations where we should have won but have just thrown it away."

That is no understatement. No side has managed to score more than 170 against the Cliffe Park side but their skipper has been disappointed not to have capitalised more on those fine performances.

And on Sunday, Allen's bowlers will have to be spot on to cope with James Peterson, who smashed the league batting record with a magnificent unbeaten 203.

"We all know he is going to be a real handful but hopefully he got all his runs last weekend."

Beforehand however Harwood have the problem of coping with an in-form Blackburn Northern side who have rocketed into the top three after five successive wins.

But Allen added: "There won't be any problems with us having our minds elsewhere because my players know that if they don't give 100 per cent they won't be in the cup side.

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