BAXENDEN can be crowned as Ribblesdale League champions tomorrow – but second-placed Read are hoping their derby rivals can do them a favour.

Andy Caunce’s men head to Padiham knowing that a maximum point win will see them claim the crown.

But Read, who are at Earby, are hoping their former skipper Chris Holt, who is Padiham professional, can lead the Arbories outfit to a win that would take the title race down to the final weekend.

Meanwhile, Great Harwood have agreed terms with popular professional Syed Shahabuddin to return for the 2012 season.

Shahabuddin has had an excellent season for the club, scoring 1,223 runs and taking 77 wickets in all competitions.

Club chairman Paul Houldsworth said: “We are delighted that Shobby has agreed to return with us for next season.

“He has been nothing short of magnificent this season with his performances and we couldn’t have asked for much more from him.

“His record in the two seasons he has spent with us in 2008 and now in 2011 is testament to the professionalism he shows on and off the field.

“It is a real boost for the club to have the deal agreed as we have a busy winter ahead.”

Tomorrow’s fixtures Barnoldswick v Cherry Tree, Earby v Read, Edenfield v Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle Immanuel v Salesbury, Padiham v Baxenden, Ribblesdale Wanderers v Settle, Whalley v Clitheroe