Underestimate Penwortham at your peril '“ Ash

Vernon Carus captain Christian Ash has warned his men of the '˜derby danger' which lurks at Middleforth Green this weekend.
Vernon Carus captian Christian AshVernon Carus captian Christian Ash
Vernon Carus captian Christian Ash

The men from Factory Lane cross over the road to take on neighbours and fierce rivals Penwortham in the Moore and Smalley Palace Shield Premier Division.

Having given their title ambitions a real shot in the arm by beating previous leaders Fulwood and Broughton last weekend, Ash has urged his men not to let all that good work go to waste with a below-par performance tomorrow.

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And he is all too aware that mid-table Penwortham would like nothing more than to throw a spanner in the works as Vernons push for top spot.

“It is important that we approach the game against Penwortham with the right amount of intensity,” said Ash. “It’s always a good game to play in no matter where we both are in the league table.

“I am sure they will be doing their utmost to derail any title ambitions that we have by beating us.”

Vernons are certainly the dark horses in what has become a four-horse title race. While Longridge and Garstang set the pace early on, they were kept within touching distance by both Vernons and last season’s champions F&B.

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Currently only 11 points separate leaders Longridge and Vernons, who are back in fourth place.

“It was pretty much win or bust for us last weekend against Fulwood,” said Ash.

“It was a really important win and I think in the next three weeks, Fulwood have got to play both Garstang and Longridge and so do we.

“So in three weeks’ time, we will have a good idea of what’s going to happen over the final six or seven games.

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“Both Garstang and Longridge had great starts, but we haven’t been a millions miles away from them.

“I think we have only lost two games, but it’s so competitive this year.”

Vernons will be utilising the full depth of their player poo as bowlers Matt Timms, Ben Llewellin and Joe Allen are all unavailable.

FIXTURES

Palace Shield Premier Division: Eccleston v Garstang, Fulwood and Broughton v Longridge, Great Eccleston v Rufford, Penwortham v Vernon Carus, Thornton Cleveleys v Croston, Torrisholme v Freckleton.