BARNOLDSWICK'S players are looking forward to chopping down reigning champions Cherry Tree in the second match of the weekend tomorrow.

Having won their first two games skipper Michael Scothern admitted: "We have had a good start and I am very pleased with the way we have kicked off.

"All things being equal we would expect to beat Edenfield but Settle can be a difficult place to go to so we were happy to win there."

Barlick are in action against Oswaldtwistle today, with them expecting a tough test against a side that has strengthened over the winter, but Scothern is hoping that they will be defending a 100 per cent record against the champions.

"Sunday will be a big test for us," he explained. "I think how we perform against them will give us some idea of how far we have come."

While the nucleus of the side is unchanged from last season, Scothern has been quick to acknowledge the impact made by the Australian pro Clinton Peake.

"The performances of Peakey have been the main factor, he is a quality player," he said. "He has come in and put a bit of life back into the team.

"His influence has certainly rubbed off on everyone else. You just have to look at everyone in practice, the effort seems to have gone up ten-fold on last season.

"It makes a real difference to see the pro go out there and you believe he will bat for hours, he just does not look like getting out.

"Our pro last year, Raja Arshad, was a fantastic entertainer but you always felt that he could get out anytime."

The move for Peake came about with links with Steeton in the Airedale and Wharfedale League. "Their groundsman has contacts in Victoria and we took it from there," said Scothern.

"The great thing is that he has got a dual passport and everything has come off good style so far."

As well as the pro, Barlick have added batsman Rob Greenwood from Skipton, although such has been the good start to the season he had not even made the crease before today.

The batting has been further strengthened by the return from injury of leg spinner Michael Lord who is "more than useful with the bat and has added depth" according to his skipper.

By the end of the weekend Barnoldswick, who struggled to finish tenth last campaign, will have a better idea of what this season has to offer.

FIXTURES FOR TOMORROW: Barnoldswick v Cherry Tree; Earby v Blackburn Northern; Edenfield v Clitheroe; Padiham v Baxenden; Read v Oswaldtwistle Immanuel; Ribblesdale Wanderers v Whalley; Settle v Great Harwood.