COLNE skipper Gary Laycock knows his side are second favourites in a two-horse race at Bentgate tomorrow.

But he certainly hasn't given up hope of beating holders Haslingden in their re-arranged Jennings Worsley Cup semi-final.

And the will to win is burning just as fiercely, despite the loss of key all-rounder Gary Hunt through a back injury.

"It's a big blow to lose Gary not least for his experience. He has played in a lot of these big games and, otherwise, we are a fairly young side," said Laycock.

"It's probably the biggest game most of us have played in.

"But I am crossing my fingers and hoping it can be our day.

"Haslingden are in form and Anthony has been getting a few runs. People are saying we are the underdogs but we beat them in the league at home this year and if we can perform on the day, I feel it will be a good game.

"It's down to what happens on the day and I believe we have five bowlers who can keep it tight.

"I just hope the weather is kind and we play in decent conditions." Laycock would like nothing better than to lead Colne to the final. They are struggling in the league but he dismisses the new rules there as an "absolute joke".

"It's make or break for us in the cup and if we could reach the final then we would be able to relax in the league and look forward to that.

"This is also my first season as captain and it hasn't been easy with players being banned, these new rules and now Gary getting injured.

"But having Joe Scuderi as professional has been a big help to me, especially with his previous experience of the league."

Scuderi, who is bang on course for 1,000 runs and should finish with a decent tally of wickets too, could be Colne's key man tomorrow, especially in the absence of Hunt who will be replaced by batsman Nigel Rimmer.

Ironically, the two sides meet again at Bentgate on Sunday in the league with Haslingden still harbouring hopes of retaining both their trophies.

"We'll let them have the win on Sunday, if they give us the semi-final," laughed Gary.

Though he will be 100 per cent serious come tomorrow afternoon.

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