FOR over 20 years, Steve Hipgrave has been there, seen it and done it at Earby.

Except for a four-year sojourn at Lancashire League side Colne, Hipgrave has experienced the highs and lows at Applegarth.

The 47-year-old, known throughout the Ribblesdale League as Herbie, has five Senior League titles and three Ramsbottom Cup medals on his mantelpiece and was captain of the 1991 double winning side - a squad that included Lancashire stalwart Glen Chapple.

That was a golden year for the Applegarth side as they completed the "double double" when Earby's second XI won the Division 1 title and Lawrenson Cup.

But although the Earby of 2008 is a very young and inexperienced side, Hipgrave is as optimistic as ever.

And after their first win of the season over champions Blackburn Northern, Hipgrave is confident that the only way is up.

He said: "We were absolutely delighted to get our first win of the season, especially as it came against last year's champions.

"It's a big weight off our shoulders because we're only a young side and it will give us such a huge confidence boost.

"Players like our wicketkeeper Ryan Sumner and batsman Chris Bowker are only 14 and are still learning their game.

"I coach the younger players, and I know we have some very good kids at the club.

"There are several players who have been for trials at Lancashire at all age groups so the future is in good hands.

"Sometimes you can pull your hair out, what little I've got left, because things aren't going your way, but this win proves that we're good enough to compete."

Earby's paid man, Pakistani all-rounder Ali Azmat, set the tone for the victory with 97 at the top of the innings, his highest score of the season so far, and Hipgrave is hoping his good form continues.

He added: "The pro getting some runs obviously helped, but the week before, against Barnoldswick, Ali got a duck and we made 140 which was a good effort.

"We're in a transitional period at the moment and the young players are learning all the time.

"The double-double winning sides of 1991 featured a lot of young players who played alongside some more experienced campaigners.

"I'm not saying we can achieve that again, but I'm confident the young players we have will blossom in the first team.

"They're playing Senior League cricket, and if they can continue to improve, I'm sure that we can look to finish in mid-table.

"That has to be our aim this season."