Ribblesdale League: Ashraf eyes a double (23 Aug 1997)

23 August 1997

Ribblesdale League: Ashraf eyes a double

Lancashire Evening Telegraph

NAEEM Ashraf stepped off the plane, was taken straight to Cherry Tree's clubhouse and immediately declared: "I want to go for the double". That was four months ago and, now that goal is in sight, the quiet-spoken Pakistani all-rounder is completely satisfied.

Cherry Tree play host to Blackburn Northern tomorrow where they can finally wrap up the Ribblesdale League title to add to their Ramsbottom Cup success.

But whether it is achieved tomorrow or next week, Naeem believes that Cherry Tree have deserved the glory that has come their way this season.

"The difference has been the quality of Cherry Tree's amateurs," he said. "They have played very well, a very positive game. "They have fulfilled the job of amateurs and really backed me up. Fast bowler John Hughes and medium pacer Gary Bolton, in particular, have bowled a good line and length and taken wickets.

"Whenever I haven't performed, the team has. That makes for a very formidable side."

If there has been anything negative about Naeem's season, it has been his batting.

"I'm about 200 or 300 runs light of what I was aiming for," he said. "In some games I performed with the bat, in others I didn't.

"I think other players in the team could have batted better too.

"But cricket is a one-ball game. You can be out first ball or you can play all day and not be out. It's a fine line.

"I wanted to show this league what I can do and I believe I have proved to everyone what I was brought here for."

And he spared a thought for Clitheroe professional Jon Fielding whose side pushed Cherry Tree all the way.

"Jon Fielding is a very good professional, a good competitor who I really rate," he added.

Fixtures: Cherry Tree v Blackburn N; Earby v Barnoldswick; Edenfield v Baxenden; Great Harwood v Osw Imm; Padiham v Read; Ribb W v Clitheroe; Whalley v Settle

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)