Town get ready for crunch clash

Trailing the leaders by five points and having played a game more, a defeat would leave them with a huge task of reeling in their near neighbours.

Town limbered up by brushing aside bottom-of-the-table Hull last weekend, with skipper Mark Cummins leading by example with bat and ball.

He took 5-62 and smacked 71 to pave the way for a handsome eight-wicket victory.

Barnsley will provide an altogether sterner test but with Town having collected maximum points from the first meeting and enjoying home advantage this time, there's reason for optimism.

Cummins said: “It's a massive game. Barnsley are the favourites and they've dealt with most thrown at them but we can run them close.

“To stand a chance of winning the league, realistically we have to win and then stay undefeated for the remainder of the season.

“Our aim is to take it as close as humanly possible and if we can reach the last two or three matches and still be in there then anything can happen."

Tomorrow's match starts at midday.

For full report and a comprehensive local cricket round-up, see this week's Advertiser.