UNDERDOGS Clitheroe and Earby aim to make the most of playing without pressure as they look to stun big hitters Padiham and Baxenden in the semi-finals of the Ramsbottom Cup tomorrow.

The last-four ties are intriguing with Peter Dibb’s Clitheroe seemingly saving their best form for the cups to make light of their league woes, while Stephen Hipgrave’s Earby go into the clash with Baxenden bang in form and riding high in the table.

Earby were the surprise packets as they won their first five games with maximum points before a stumble – but they have come back to life with good wins in recent weeks.

And they could well shape the rest of the season as they face Ian Austin’s Baxenden in a three-match series. Today’s league meeting at the Applegarth is followed by tomorrow’s semi-final at Back Lane.

And next Saturday, the teams meet again at Baxenden. Hipgrave knows his men face a real battle against the leaders, who are undefeated in the league, Ramsbottom Cup and 20/20 this year, although they did bow out of the Lancashire Cup to Bootle.

“It’s going to be tough but all it takes is a few good balls to get their top men out,” said Hipgrave. “But we are doing okay this season. It’s a vast improvement on last year and we are confident going into the games with Baxenden, and to be honest, if we don’t believe we can win, there is no point going to play.

“It is unusual to play a side three times in three games so we will know each other very well at the end of it.”

That game could be close – and the other semi-final at the Arbories is also tasty. Padiham go into the tie as favourites but Clitheroe’s cup form has been in stark contrast to their league pain.

“With all the cup matches we have probably won four out of the last six games,” said skipper Peter Dibb, left.

“Padiham beat us last weekend but they were at full strength and we had players missing and they are back for the semi-final.

“It should be a good game.”