JONATHAN Fielding is ready for a four-day test of cricketing stamina.

Tomorrow the Clitheroe professional takes his side to Barnoldswick for the Vaux Ribblesdale League match of the day.

Then, 48-hours later it is down to the tricky business of a Nat West first round tie against a powerful Middlesex side in front of a 4,000 full-house at Carlisle.

Fielding is in the Cumberland team who will face Mike Gatting, Mark Ramprakash, Angus Fraser and co in the border capital on Tuesday as the Cumbrians aim to spring a major surprise in cricket's premier knockout competition.

"I am really looking forward to the cup tie against Middlesex but my first priority is for Clitheroe and tomorrow's match at Barnoldswick," explained Fielding.

"We're all really fired up for this game. We'll be having an extra net tonight and then we will give it our best shot tomorrow.

"James Peterson scored a massive knock of 200 last week and he is the man in form. If can get him early then we will have a great chance.

"But I have now worries about Clitheroe. We have bags of confidence and team spirit and that is half the battle."

Despite Clitheroe losing their first two league encounters - against Read and Great Harwood - Fielding said he has never lost faith in the all-round ability of his Chatburn Road squad.

Clitheroe's frontline batting has been boosted by the arrivals of Steve Whalley, Paul Collinson, Andy Burns and Mark Bolton.

Couple that to Fielding's 339 runs and 39 wickets and Clitheroe are emerging as genuine championship contenders.

"We've struggled a bit with bowling sides out but on paper we must be one of the most feared sides in the Ribblesdale League," added Fielding.

"The strength in depth is good. We have several players in the second team who are capable of coming through and challenging for a first team spot which is very important.

"We've played some super cricket this season. I think the next two games at Barnoldswick and Read will show us whether we can make a big challenge for the championship."

Read professional Shahid Nawaz is heading towards a possible record-breaking season after his 93 against Cherry Tree last week. But Read face a tough assignment at Earby, ten wicket winners over Ribblesdale Wanderers last weekend.

Blackburn Northern, making a robust challenge in third place, will be looking to strengthen their charge against Great Harwood at Cliffe Park.

Settle's Paul Beech and Clitheroe-born Marcus Sharp are also included in the Cumberland squad for the Nat West Trophy tie. Fixtures: Barnoldwick v Clitheroe, Baxenden v Padiham, Cherry Tree v Whalley, Earby v Read, Great Harwood v Blackburn N, Osw Immanuel v Edenfield, Settle v Ribblesdale W.

Darwen are in Northern League action at kendal tomorrow. Simon Painter is replaced by Graham Ainslie while Michael Douglas comes in for Chris Lowe. Darwen's second X1 have reached the final of the Blackledge Cup after victory over Kendal. Darwen will play Lancaster in the final on June 30.

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