IAN Britcliffe says his Ribblesdale Wanderers will relish their rare assault on the Lancashire Cup – even though fate has dealt them one of the toughest hands imaginable.

Wanderers, who hit the top five in the Ribblesdale League last term to earn their return to the county competition for the first time since 2005, must travel the face Lancashire League big hitters Ramsbottom.

And Britcliffe knows that tomorrow’s trip to Acre Bottom represents the toughest of all challenges.

“We are really happy to be back in the Lancashire Cup,” said Britcliffe. “But Ramsbottom away is probably the hardest tie we could have got.

“They are a really good side and even though the Lancashire League season hasn’t started yet they will be formidable.”

Britcliffe is none the less relishing the game and his meeting with Ramsbottom skipper Jon Fielding, a former professional with Wanderers’ cross-town rivals Clitheroe.

The veteran left-arm spinner is showing few signs of losing his stranglehold over batsmen and claimed 106 Lanashire League victims last season to follow on from his 113 on return to Ramsbottom in 2010.

“You want to qualify for the Lancashire Cup so you can test yourself against different players and play different clubs as different grounds,” added Britcliffe.

“Jon is a superb player and has been for many years.

“We know all about him from his time at Clitheroe when he claimed 100 wickets a year for a couple of years.

“It doesn’t matter where you are playing and in what league, 100 wickets is a major effort and Jon is a class act.

“But on the day anything can happen.”

There is also a Lancashire League v Ribblesdale League clash in the Lancashire Cup at Liverpool Road as Lowerhouse lock horns with Read.

That will be a good game as Lancashire League champions Lowerhouse entertain Kyle O’Connor’s men. Read Lancashire CCC contracted pro Jordan Clarke looks the business, while the House’s star South African Francois Haasbroek is geared up for another big season.

There is also plenty of friendly action tomorrow as Lancashire League clubs get set for the start of their season next week with Accrington going to Bradshaw and East Lancashire travelling to Flowery Field.

Burnley host the Lancashire Federation, Enfield tackle Edgworth at Dill Hall Lane and Nelson face Tonge at Seedhill. Vinny Hanson’s Rawtenstall are also in action and entertain Woodbank at Bacup Road, while Todmorden face Huddersfield League outfit Honley at Centre Vale.