BRAD HODGE could realise a big ambition tomorrow -- to win a cup for Ramsbottom.

The 25-year-old Australian told team boss Mick Everett at the start of the season that he wanted to win the club a trophy.

And he will get his chance tomorrow when last season's runners-up face the champions in this season cup final at Bacup.

"He is fired up for this game, really fired up" said Everett, whose side was warming up for the final with a league clash against local rivals Rawtenstall today.

"He said to me at the start of the season that he wanted to win the club a cup.

"He thought that our best chance would lie in the cup competitions so he wants everyone in the right frame of mind.

"We'll have a good discussion over the weekend and hopefully get a good result against Rawtenstall to give the side a bit of confidence.

"I am confident that if we play to our potential we can win. If we can get Shaun Young out early we'll have a chance.

"And if Brad stays in for 25 or 30 overs we'll get a big score."

The Aussie batsman has been on holiday with his girlfriend Meg all week. The couple have been to Nice for a break before the big weekend. "He played for Melbourne against the MCC last week and we thought we should give him a break," said Everett.

Hodge, who is in his second year with Ramsbottom, looks on target for breaking the club record for the number of runs scored by a pro, and another ton tomorrow would do nicely for both his averages and the side's quest for their first Worsley Cup since 1993.

"Chris Harris scored 1,231 runs and if Brad continues the way he has been doing he should beat that," said Everett.

Ramsbottom are hoping to be at full strength for tomorrow's game with bowlers Lee Daggett and Michael Haslam on their way back from groin strains. Both players hope to be fit.

Mark Price is back from holiday and should play a pivotal role.

Bacup's Worsley Cup chances were written off at the start of the season because of the five-bowler rule.

No player can bowl more than 10 overs in Worsley Cup matches and the majority of Bacup's bowling is done by David Ormerod and Shaun Young, but Everett says it is time to ditch that opinion.

"They have got this far using five bowlers so they can't be all that bad," he said.

"They will be the favourites but sometimes it is easier if you are not the fancied team.

"But this game is our season. This is everything. If Bacup lose at least they will still be going for the league title. They will have plenty more important games to play.

"But this is our last important game this year. This game is our season. This is everything. If Bacup lose at least they will still be going for the league title.