Kearsley official Darren Whittle says his side are relishing the role of underdogs in tomorrow’s Hamer Cup tie at home to Farnworth Social Circle.

But Whittle is doubtful the match at Springfield Road will go ahead because of the amount of rain that has fallen during the week.

“I can’t see us getting past the weather, to be honest,” he said. “But if we get a game, you would have to say Social Circle will be favourites.”

The Piggott Park men are currently fifth in the Bolton League table and overcame Little Lever by seven wickets in the first round, while Kearsley are fourth-bottom having suffered from the departure of several key players.

However, they still managed to beat Astley Bridge by six wickets to progress in the Cup.

Whittle reckons if captain Dave Morris and his brother Peter can get among the runs, Kearsley could spring a surprise.

The hosts will also be looking to 18-year-old left-arm spinner Joe McCann for inspiration as he pits his wits against former Kearsley men David Tonge and David Mather.

“They served us well when they were here,” said Whittle. “They will certainly be looking to do well against us.”

Elsewhere, Heaton entertain Horwich at Lower Pools having dumped top-of-the-league Farnworth out of the competition by eight wickets in the first round.

Holders and second-in-the-league Greenmount will be favourites to prevail at Brandlesholme Road, where they entertain Bradshaw, and Eagley and Egerton – who both had byes through to the second round – go head to head at Dunscar.