READ skipper Warren Eastham is relishing the Ribblesdale League run-in and reckons the race for the championship could go right down to the wire.

Eastham’s men are in second spot behind Barnoldswick and sit just three points above Baxenden in a three-horse title tussle – and had a stroke of luck on Saturday when they managed to beat the rain and Salesbury while Barlick were washed out.

And now Eastham is primed for the race to the line, which steps up a gear with this weekend’s double header.

“It’s a big weekend and with 24 points up for grabs you can’t afford a slip-up,” said Eastham.

“If you lose one and the others win both it can really set you back - so we know what we have to do.”

Eastham admits fortune favoured his men at the weekend and he said: “We got a break there.

“I suppose it is even now because Barlick and Bash have benefited so far this season.

"That’s the way it goes now and it is tight at the top with three very good teams up there.

“Nothing is won yet – and anyone talking about the title being done and dusted in the middle of July would be foolish.

“There is a lot of cricket still to be played this season and a long way to go.

"I think we have to look at not claiming enough bonus points this season but hopefully we can address that from now on in.

“That is the advantage Barlick have with Jaffar Nazir knocking over the tail of teams, while Babar Naeem is probably the most consistent pro in the league with both bat and ball but we have strength in depth.

“The majority of our games in the second half of the season are away – and that could work in our favour in an odd way.

“The tracks are so good at our place and it is a small ground and it is hard to bowl sides out but it makes for an interesting few weeks and it is down to ability now.”

Of the weekend games at Cherry Tree and Great Harwood, Eastham added: “They are going to be difficult games but we have a full strength side out.

“Cherry Tree is a slippery one there and Harwood is always tough but we are pretty confident.”