SHEER guts, determination and the will to win has pushed Blackburn Northern up amongst the Ribblesdale Cricket League pace-setters.

Now, skipper Nigel Robbins believes his in-form side has the ability and strength to catch runaway leaders Read - and make his last season in charge one to remember.

They go in search of their sixth successive victory when they travel to Baxenden on Saturday. That run, which has seen them climb to third place, includes the prized scalp of the leaders - their only defeat this season.

Robbins said: "What we lack in outstanding, individual ability we more than make up in combined guts and determination.

"This season, we are a more complete side and are comfortable batting and bowling. If I didn't believe we could catch Read, I wouldn't be going out to play on Saturday."

After four seasons as Northern's supremo, Robbins says that this is almost definitely going to be his last in charge. "I would love to go out with a bang. We so nearly won the league three years ago and this team is just as good as that one. It's all down to attitude and these lads have it."

Northern's resurgence has coincided with the capture of Jeff Hacking from Darwen and the arrival of New Zealand professional Ian Billcliff.

Fixtures:

Saturday (June 15): Baxenden v Blackburn N, Clitheroe v Settle, Earby v Ribblesdale W, Edenfield v Padiham, Osw Immanuel v Barnoldswick, Read v Cherry Tree, Whalley v Gt Harwood.

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