TODMORDEN skipper Jon Henderson is predicting a cricketing classic tomorrow as he takes his cup specialists to Haslingden in a mouth-watering Worsley Cup semi-final.

The two in-form sides meet at Bentgate with much at stake – and Henderson can’t wait for the action to start between teams second and third in the Lancashire League table.

“It will be a great game,” said Henderson. “We are in form and Haslingden are formidable. They are dangerous with the bat, especially when Graham Knowles gets going, and are looking good in the league.

“They have lost some players but replaced them very well and I think they are well able to go the course this season. We have been a little unpredictable at times but we have beaten Accrington three times and they are on top of the league.

“But we are doing well now and now the professional is here, it settles everyone down and you have some consistency.”

Sri Lankan paid man Chintha Jayasinghe has impressed since he arrived and the skipper added: “He is good with bat and ball, and is popular with everyone.”

Todmorden are well used to appearing in the big occasions. Tomorrow’s game is their sixth semi-final of the 20th century and they are determined to go all the way as they look to claim silverware for the first time since 2000.

They were also beaten finalists last year and Henderson added: “The semi-finals are huge games. I would not say they are more important than the final itself – but no-one wants to lose a semi. It’s not a nice feeling – and Haslingden will be thinking the same thing.”

Henderson is also hoping the weather holds for the game to make the tie an even better spectacle.

“If it’s a nice day with a big crowd, it will be even better,” he said. “That lifts the players and no matter how many times you have reached the semi-final, you never tire of playing these games.”

Haslingden are also at full strength for the tie – and another side used to the last four as they play a fourth semi-final since 2000.

They are at full strength for the showdown.

Church skipper Phil Gilrane is hoping his men can stun Ramsbottom at Acre Bottom in the other semi-final. “It’s a really important game for the club,” said Gilrane.

“Everyone is looking forward to it and we can’t wait and I think the game could be won by the professionals.”

Church paid man Luke Woodcock will look to make up for lost time following his belated arrival, while Ramsbottom’s West Indian Brenton Parchment has suffered a dip in form in recent weeks.

But Ramsbottom, six-time Worsley Cup winners with three of those in the last nine years, have home advantage and are at full strength.