Ribblesdale League: Harvey's back for Padiham big push (24 Jul 1998)

24 July 1998

Harvey's back for Padiham big push

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Padiham are still on course for a season of unprecedented success, despite last Sunday's setback when they lost out to Vaux Ribblesdale League title rivals Great Harwood, writes Peter White.

And professional Mark Harvey should be fit to return to the Arbories side for their big home clash with Clitheroe after sitting out last weekend's double-header with a groin strain.

Another Lancashire man, Richard Green, stepped in as substitute but, with Harvey back in action for the county seconds this week, Padiham expect to have him in a full-strength side as the club continue their bid for championship honours on three fronts.

Padiham secretary Brian Shirtcliffe explained: "We are 13 points clear at the top of the table, despite the hiccup against Great Harwood who fully deserved to win - no complaints about that.

"Our second team are well out in front at the top of their league and the thirds are also top of the table.

"If all three were to win their championships I don't know if that's ever been done before in the league." Padiham ended a 29-year run without success in the championship in 1995 and they are well placed to repeat the triumph of three years ago.

Victory against Clitheroe would also, surely, end any lingering hopes their opponents might retain of climbing back into the title race.

But Mr Shirtcliffe added: "We know that we will have to be up for it against Clitheroe.

"The ground is very wet at the moment and it all depends on who does what on the day.

"But we know that the only way we are going to win the league is to keep on winning. Great Harwood are a very good side but everyone at the club is optimistic."

Padiham are also aiming to build on the club's all-round success by expanding next season - into women's cricket!

"We are hoping that we will be able to field a ladies team next year and we already have a lot of people interested in playing - the tea ladies and the tea ladies' daughters, they are all getting involved," he added.

"Regular practice sessions are being held and anyone interested in playing should contact the club."

Tomorrow's games: Barnoldswick v Ribblesdale W; Baxenden v Blackburn N; Earby v Oswaldtwistle Imm; Edenfield v Gt Harwood; Padiham v Clitheroe; Read v Settle; Whalley v Cherry Tree

Cherry Tree were today attempting to reach the semi-final of the Thwaites LCB Knockout Cup at Kendal, after last week's attempts at play were washed out.

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