LEADING amateur batsman Callum Clarke has already achieved a season’s best with five games to go.

But after helping Padiham clinch the Ramsbottom Cup, he is hoping to have 1,000 more reasons to celebrate this season.

A century - his second of the season - on his 30th birthday weekend last week, against Brinscall, took him to 915 runs.

But he has no plans to slow down as he targets four figures for the first time.

And he has every chance of achieving it this weekend with a double header at the Arbories - first against Ribblesdale League leaders Oswaldtwistle Immanuel, followed by the visit of neighbours Read on Sunday.

“With five games to go this season it would be great if I could get past the milestone,” said Clarke.

“It’s been a good season in the field - up and down results in the league but obviously we’ve had a very good Ramsbottom Cup win, which has topped the season off on a team note. But personally it would be great to get past that milestone.

“I’ve never got to those figures before. My best before this season was 700, so hopefully I can get past the 1,000 mark.”

Clarke’s cause was boosted by last week’s ton, achieved despite feeling a tad worse for wear after his birthday celebrations.

“I’m usually telling the younger ones not to go out but I might have to go out again this weekend!” he joked.

Having upset the odds to beat Settle in the Ramsbottom Cup, Padiham could yet have a say in the title race against Oswaldtwistle.

“We’ve got our own things to worry about at the moment, like trying to stay in the division,” said Clarke.

“We had two good wins last week, but it’s such a tight league you can be fourth and be 12 points off the relegation spot.

“I think Oswaldtwistle deserve to win the title because overall this season they’ve been the best side, so I hope they go on and win it.

“But hopefully we can put a bump in the road tomorrow.”