CHERRY Tree skipper David Hayes ended the weekend with a broken arm but solace could come in the shape of more silverware for his team after they stayed on course for a Jennings Ribblesdale League and Cup double.

The Blackburn club have monopolised the Ramsbottom Cup in recent years and booked a place in the final for the fourth year running when they beat Clitheroe by 94 runs.

And that came a day after a run-rate win over Settle which kept Cherry Tree three points clear of defending champions Padiham to keep the double dream alive.

"We did it in 1997 which was Naeem's first year. It's always the target," said Hayes, who suffered a break to his lower arm after getting in the way of a Dexter Fitton shot when fielding at short-leg at Clitheroe.

And the pro, Naeem Ashraf, is playing a leading role again as he followed up a rapid century at Settle with a stunning all-round performance at Chatburn Road. "His batting is very good at the moment and he gets his runs so quickly it makes it easy.

"You don't have to do anything daft at the other end and it makes it easy for the amateurs," added Hayes, who is set to be replaced at the helm by Mark Butler during his spell on the sidelines.

After scoring 109 off just 60 balls at Settle, Naeem then made 86 in the cup tie before undermining the Clitheroe reply with the help of youngster John Baldwin, who picked up a couple of important early wickets.

Hayes added: "The pro was outstanding. He bowled his 10 overs for seven runs and four of those went through the wicket-keeper's gloves.

"From there we just built the pressure. Lee Kennedy hadn't bowled for a number of years and he took a couple of wickets and then Charlie Hopwood came on and picked up 4-13 so everybody played a part."

Cherry Tree will now have home advantage in the final against Read on Sunday, August 20 when they will be looking to win the trophy for the third time in four years.