THIS weekend’s home double header represents a great chance for Netherfield CC to get back on track after two disappointing defeats.
But skipper Ben Barrow has insisted his side will be taking nothing for granted when basement club Barrow pitch up at Parkside Road on Saturday for a Northern League game, followed 24 hours later by fellow strugglers St Annes who provide the opposition in a Lancashire KO Cup quarter final tie.
“Barrow are battling for their lives and remember they came here last season and beat us,” the Netherfield captain pointed out.
“We will certainly not be taking things for granted and turning up expecting to win because we are expecting a tough game.
“And St Annes are a lot better side than their results indicate.
“They will see a chance to get something from this season and the fact that whoever wins gets a home semi-final is a great incentive for both sides.”
Last weekend got off to a bad start for the Parkside Road men when they lost a dramatic Northern League clash at Longridge by the narrowest of margins when home tail ender Daniel Wilson edged the final ball of the game for four.
“We gave Longridge a few too many runs too and paid for it at the end,” said Barrow.
“But they are a good side and it’s a very tough league this year because there are quality sides all the way down the league.
“Since promotion and relegation came in, the league has become very competitive.”
Sunday brought further frustration when Netherfield were edged out by Fleetwood in a splendidly entertaining and high scoring semi-final in front of a big T20 finals day crowd at Garstang.
“We were disappointed but it was a very good game in the end,” Barrow reflected.
“We let ourselves down with the ball a little bit and gave them a few too many runs because 185 was a big score, though to be fair they batted well. But we gave it a good go and got very close.”
Barrow’s side are hoping for better fortunes this weekend, though they will be missing overseas amateur Joel Blain on Sunday as he is ineligible.
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