GREAT Harwood begin the defence of the Vaux Ramsbottom Cup ready to persist with their secret weapon at league champions Padiham.

The soft tracks of a wet start to the league season have so far not suited the pace and aggression of professional Chris Killen.

But the Aussie has taken seven of his nine wickets with...off-spin.

Harwood have suffered a poor start to the season, with just one win from their opening three matches.

Skipper Geoff Allen, however, is confident that another cup run can turn his side's season around.

"We've had a poor start and the pro hasn't come off yet.

"The highest score we've had was 150.

"Two seasons ago we lost two out of the first three, won the rest, but still didn't win the league. "And we reckon you can only lose a maximum of four if you are to stand a chance.

"The last time we played Padiham in the cup it was a last ball thriller.

"Joe Grant is obviously a good player but he will not be used to these wet wickets either. They will not be easy to beat, though."

Great Harwood will be without the services of three key students in Matthew Cheesbrough, Alan Armer and Paul Newton.

And keeper Ian Threllfall has decided to hang up his boots after suffering knee problems, to be replaced by Chris Owen.

League pace-setters Read travel to Oswaldtwistle Immanuel while Barnoldswick travel to Cherry Tree.

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