YEARS of waiting come to an end tomorrow as Salesbury take to the field as a fully fledged member of the Ribblesdale Senior League – and are predicting a few shocks in their first season in the top flight.

The village outfit finally got their wish to play in the Senior League when member clubs voted them in to replace Blackburn Northern.

And now all the work of a frantic winter gets its reward when they welcome Edenfield to Ribchester Road for a landmark game.

“We are all really excited about it,” said skipper James Watson.

“We have worked extremely hard to achieve Senior League cricket and have waited a long time for this chance and hopefully the sun will shine on us.”

Salesbury, whose first professional is former Rishton all-rounder Richard Rostron, are widely tipped to face a battle for points against the more experienced sides.

But Watson says his men are not in the league just to make up the numbers.

“We’ve a good set of players and we are used to winning,” he added.

“Because of where we have come from, we do not rely on one player.

“We have a side of good players and I do think that some teams rely on their professional and maybe one or two amateurs.

“Yes, we know it is a massive step up but we know that we can be competitive and we will shock a few teams.

“If anyone thinks they will get an easy game against us they will get a shock.”

Watson misses the debut due to having a pre-booked holiday and the side will be skippered by Jason Rawson.

“I am disappointed to miss out but the holiday was booked more than six months ago before we knew we were in the Senior League and obviously before the fixtures came out,” he said.

Edenfield skipper Greg Smithson also misses the game because of work commitments – but he is happy to see a new side in the league.

“I wish Salesbury all the luck – but obviously not on Saturday,” said Smithson.

“It is a little bit of history to be involved in and that’s nice for everyone and it really will be a hard game for us.

“They will be right up for it and we have to be sure we are on our game.”

Veteran Brett Storey will stand-in for Smithson.

Edenfield will field a sub-professional for the game as Raheel Majeed has not yet arrived in the country.

How will Salesbury fare this season? Add your comments below.