Elton aim to maintain pressure on Blackrod
9:10am Friday 9th September 2011 in Sport
ELTON are refusing to give up on the title until it becomes mathematically impossible to pip Blackrod.
The Bury side trail the Vicarage Road men by 11 points going into the last two games.
And with 13 points for a win and bonus points to gain in a defeat – as Blackrod did when they earned five in their shock reverse to Golborne last Sunday – the leaders are strong favourites to add the championship to their Cross Cup glory either when they travel to Atherton tomorrow or at home to Walshaw next Saturday.
But Elton captain John Ashworth says his side are focused on making it as hard as possible for their title rivals.
“We could take it to the last day if we beat Edgworth on Saturday, but if Blackrod also win it would mean Walshaw would not just have to beat them next week, but give them a pasting so they get no points at all.
“I’m confident Walshaw will beat them, but it’s by how much that matters.
“But our mindset is we’re just going to win our next two games and what will be will be.”
Ashworth was disappointed that the rain denied them the chance to beat Blackrod last weekend when, chasing 131, Elton were 50-5 when the rain came down.
“There was an excellent chance of us winning that game,” said Ashworth. “We would have had the advantage of a reduced over rate and I’m confident we would have got it.
“But you can’t complain about the rain because everyone has games off over the season. It’s just unfortunate and, generally speaking, the best team wins the league.
“Blackrod getting five bonus points against Golborne was a nuisance. We could have done without that. Whatever happens, it’s all very exciting and better than last year when the league was won with three or four games to go.”
Ashworth believes his side will stage a strong challenge next year, too, despite being without Toby Bulcock who has been an inspiration this season.
“He’s going somewhere else next year and he’s going to be a big miss. He’s taken 109 wickets this season which is a record for a pro at Elton.
“But there’s a lot of other good quality talent in the side and I’m not concerned who we get as pro next year, we’ll be up there again.”
Tomorrow: Adlington v Astley & Tyldesley, Atherton v Blackrod, Darcy Lever v Little Hulton, Elton v Edgworth, Golborne v Spring View, Standish v Daisy Hill, Walshaw v Flixton.
click2find
