Captains target success in term’s first double-header!

The Whalley Road skipper will guide his side out against Earby on home soil tomorrow before welcoming Settle for a Ramsbottom Cup second round tie on Sunday.

“This weekend is really important to us because we want to get back to winning in the league and a cup run is vital after our last few seasons,” he said.

“Earby are always competitive but I believe we are more than capable of taking 12 points.”

O’Connor added: I can’t remember the last time we beat Settle. They’re a strong side so we need to be at the top of our game.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Settle as a club because they’ve produced a side mostly from their own youth system and they’ve got a quality pro (Imran Khalid).”

Meanwhile, Padiham captain Callum Clarke is praying that lightening doesn’t strike twice as they bid for a place in the quarter-final of the domestic cup competition.

It was only 13 days ago when Brinscall’s overseas amateur Lehann Jansen van Rensburg fired 134 runs and took five wickets in a 106-run win at the Arbories.

On Sunday the two sides meet again, this time at School Lane, and Clarke admits his squad will be on high alert.

“We know what Brinscall’s pro is capable of so we just hope that lightening doesn’t strike twice,” he said. “It would be nice to have a run in the cup.”

But first they face Edenfield at Gincroft Lane, looking to get off the mark for the campaign.

“We are looking to get that first win, then we can move on with confidence boosted,” said Clarke. “Edenfield are always a tricky side to play against but I’m confident my players can deliver. Our new signing Jordan Baczkiewicz is also available which adds strength to the batting.”