Ribblesdale League: Naeem Ashraf sign new deal (31 Jul 1998)

31 July 1998

Naeem Ashraf sign new deal

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Ashraf signs new deal on eve of league title showdown professional Naeem Ashraf has handed Vaux Ribblesdale League champions Cherry Tree a major boost on the eve of their title crunch match with Padiham, writes PETER WHITE.

The popular Pakistani all-rounder has signed for his third season at the Blackburn club.

Chairman Alan Davies said: "We are all delighted. Naeem is everything you could ask for from a professional.

"We won the double last year with him and already have a chance of repeating that feat this year."

But Cherry Tree, currently third in the table, face a tough test of their league credentials when leaders Padiham visit Preston Old Road tomorrow, with the rest of the Vaux Ribblesdale League contenders hanging on the outcome.

And Phil Bishop, skipper of the Clitheroe side who put a big dent in Padiham's title hopes last Saturday, summed up the feelings of the other members of the top six who are still in there fighting for honours.

"I hope Cherry Tree win, simply because it could pull back Padiham into the pack and open it up for anybody," said Bishop.

"The only problem is that Cherry Tree could go on to win their last nine games. "They proved last year they are capable of that."

Bishop's team have done the double over Padiham this year and also defeated Cherry Tree once.

So he can give a frank insight into both teams.

"They are both good sides but I think Cherry Tree's bowling just gives them the edge and they do bat all the way down," he explained.

"I would say Cherry Tree are the stronger team but Padiham can point to the fact that they have got the points and are out in front.

"Cherry have also suffered more than anybody else from the weather this season.

"A lot will depend on the two professionals, as it does in most games.

"Ashraf is the better of the two but Harvey picks up his runs and wickets and we were fortunate last Saturday to get him out early. He wouldn't have been too pleased by that shot.

"With nine games left, it could still be anybody's title and we know we have to keep winning if we are to have any chance.

"I remember a few years ago that Cherry Tree won the cup, as they did this week, and I don't think they won another league game for the rest of the season. But that won't happen again, they have too many good players as they showed in the final when their number seven and eight both scored fifties. They bat all the way down, which is what all good sides do."

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

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