CHERRY Tree were breathing a huge sigh of relief today -- because almost all of the rest of the cricketing world are playing tomorrow.

Tomorrow's opponents Edenfield, who used Lancashire League professional Matthew Mott as a sub-pro last weekend, have struggled to find a pro this time because almost every local cricket team is playing tomorrow.

The club contacted Lancashire, but the county side had nobody available. They still had not found a suitable replacement this morning and could be forced to play their own pro Martin Lewis, who is recovering from a broken thumb picked up playing for Minor Counties side Cumberland.

The news is disappointing for Edenfield but a relief to Cherry Tree, who are looking to pick up maximum points from tomorrow's game as they put the pressure on Read at the top of the Jennings Ribblesdale League.

Edenfield captain Chris Hanson said: "The 'spare' player in the Central Lancs League -- they have an odd number of teams in the league so there is always a pro not playing -- is sub-proing for East Lancs, so we couldn't have him.

"The Lancashire League are playing Saturday because of the Worsley Cup final on Sunday and the Bolton Association are playing as well."

Lewis has missed the last two games and was hoping to return next weekend against Blackburn Northern. "It is disappointing to be injured at this stage of the season," he said. "I have been quite happy with parts of my game but I was hoping to improve in the second half of the season, but there will only be six games left after this weekend."

He says he doesn't mind the likes of Matthew Mott standing in for him."I watched the game last week and he looks a decent player. I think he costs a bit more than I do so I don't think the club would want him playing every week!"

David Hayes, captain of tomorrow's opponents Cherry Tree, was worried a pro of the calibre of Australian Mott might stand in this weekend. "We wouldn't have wanted him to be playing again," said Hayes. "This is an important game for us."

Hayes's team went top of the table last weekend after Read's shock defeat at the hands of strugglers Oswaldtwistle Immanual, but they relinquished their position just 24 hours later after the defeat to Ribblesdale Wanderers and now trail Read by four points.

"It was nice, even if it was only for a short period," said Hayes. "There is no better place to be but we were disappointed to lose against Ribblesdale Wanderers but we had three of our top players out so it was understandable."

"I think Great Harwood and Earby have fallen away now, though, but it is still very close.

"We are confident that on our day we are a match for anybody."

They will be hoping they can be a match for Blackburn Northern this Sunday. The local rivals square up knowing defeat for either side will seriously damage that team's title hopes.

"They could go above us, depending on what happens on Saturday. It is very exciting to be in this position, that's what you play for, to be up there."

FIXTURES: Burnley v East Lancs; Church v Todmorden, Enfield v Colne, Nelson v Accrington, Ramsbottom v Rawtenstall, Rishton v Lowerhouse