UPBEAT Earby skipper Stephen Hipgrave believes his men can topple brilliant Baxenden when they go head-to-head for a place in the Ramsbottom Cup final - especially if his professional can fire.

The veteran Hipgrave knows his village outfit face a mighty task on Sunday week when they travel to Back Lane to face Ian Austin’s Bash, who have taken the season by storm to win all 18 games they have played so far.

The semi-final pits two of the league’s greatest characters together as the skippers meet - but Hipgrave thinks the tussle between the rival professionals could be a clincher.

Earby’s paid man is Ali Azmat, while Babar Naeem is plundering the runs and taking big wickets for Baxenden after starring last year for Edenfield.

And Hipgrave said: “At the moment our pro isn’t really firing.

“He is getting runs or wickets - but not in the same game and the rest of the lads are stepping up to the mark.

“And on Sunday Aron Pollard and Matt Haines put on more than 100 and it was set for the pro - but it didn’t come off for him.

“But Ali is a quality player, we know that, and if he can really click then it will strengthen us no end.

“Obviously Baxenden are a tremendous side - but most of the damage is being done by the same few players and it only takes a few balls to get them out.

“And if lads are coming in who haven’t batted for a while, you never know what will happen then.”

Earby’s season to date has been nothing short of remarkable.

They finished second from bottom last year but started the current campaign in flying style, winning their first four games.

They then stumbled and fell away - but have bounced back to form and are in fourth place in the Ribblesdale League table.

“We are having a decent season,” added the veteran seamer, who has been in the wickets again.

While the league may already be starting to become out of everyone’s reach after Baxenden opened up a 36 point advantage, Hipgrave will not give up and wants to steer his men into a Lancashire Cup spot.

“I have said all along that I want us to improve on last year and finish as high as we can in the table,” he said.

“We have some good young players as well as the experience and I think we can continue to improve.”

But he is in no way underestimating the task his outfit face against Baxenden.

“Bash are a going great,” he said. “They are a long way clear of the pack and have won every game they have played this season.

“But I really don’t think they will go through the season with a 100 per cent record.

“It is a real big ask to do that and if you get a few injuries and people going on holiday, it becomes an even taller order.

“We will get a good chance to have a look at them because we play them at our place in the league the day before the semi-final - and then play them again at Baxenden the week after.

“So we have them three times in three games. That will be a big test - but we will go into those games believing that we can beat them.

“To be honest, if you don’t believe that then there is no point at all turning up for the matches.”