SKIPPER Paul Gaskell is relishing the biggest game of the season so far he takes his Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League top dogs Clitheroe to second-placed Read – but he insists that there will still be twists and turns galore in the title race whatever happens tomorrow.

Gaskell’s men are just two points ahead of Kyle O’Connor’s Read with both sides boasting records nine wins, two no results and just one loss with Clitheroe holding the advantage thanks to two extra bonus points.

“It’s a big game and we are all looking forward to it,” said Gaskell, right. “There is always plenty of rivalry and talk and there is always that extra spice between the sides.

“It actually started last week. We went on to watch the end of their game after we had played and won and there was a bit of banter flying around.

“But that’s what you want. You want competitive cricket and it’s a big game between two very good sides with a good crowd on if the weather is anything like.

“But whatever happens tomorrow there will be nothing won or lost - we are not even halfway through the season yet and there is a heck of a lot of cricket to be played.”

O’Connor is also relishing the clash – and he believes the winners of the Whalley Road showdown set down a real statement of intent.

“There is a lot of cricket this season with 30 league games,” said the 26-year-old wicketkeeper batsman.

“Obviously it is very, very tight at the top of the table with just the two points between us – but whoever wins will put a real yardstick down for the rest of the season.

“I love games like this, you really want to play in them and Clitheroe has become one of the biggest matches of the season.

“Because we have been so close at the top end of the table for the last five or six years we have built up a real rivalry and that really spices it up.

“But I wouldn’t have it any other way to be honest.”

One pleasing aspect for O’Connor is the fact his men are not relying soley on professional Mohammed Jamil and veteran all-rounder Jon Harvey and the skipper added: “All the lads are chipping in.

“That is great for me as captain because all the lads are performing when needed and long may that continue.

“And if we play as we have been doing against Clitheroe then I would be backing us for the win.”

A couple of miles down the road there is an equally big game at the other end of the table as Padiham host Cherry Tree at The Arbories.

Padiham have slipped to bottom place in what is turning into a wretched season for Callum Clarke’s men, while Mark Hadfield’s Cherry Tree are third from bottom in a season that sees relegation into Division One for the bottom two.

Padiham have never got going so far, while Cherry have flattered to deceive but they have a big boost ahead of the trip as the free Lancashire League Saturday means Naeem Ashraf can play.

Ashraf is an umpire in the Lancashire League and that means his availability is limited for Cherry.

Ribblesdale Wanderers have risen into third spot on the back of a run of just one loss in eight and they travel to fourth-placed reigning champions Barnoldswick in another mouthwatering tie, while in-form Oswaldtwistkle Immanuel are fifth and travel to Salesbury.

Edenfield are in need of a boost and host Euxton, while Great Harwood and Baxenden meet at Back Lane with Settle travelling to The Applegarth for their game with Earby.

And history will be made at The Brox as Brooksbottom’s picturesque ground stages its first Senior League game after improvement works overran.

Whalley are the visitors as both sides aim to maintain their recent good runs and advance their league positions.