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A quick glance at the Jennings Ribblesdale League table might suggest that Russell Whalley has much cause for regret about his decision to take the plunge into the professional ranks with Oswaldtwistle Immanuel.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Although Immanuel are struggling next to the bottom of the table, former Rishton skipper Whalley is enjoying every minute of his new adventure.

And he believes he has learned so much in the first half of the season that he will benefit greatly in the long run.

With around 600 league and cup runs, plus some 20 wickets, the summer so far has certainly not been a personal failure and Whalley sees a bright future for Immanuel despite their present struggles.

``I have really enjoyed it so far. It was a new challenge for me and I feel I am doing all right,'' he said.

``Although I wasn't really sure what the standard was, I set myself targets of 800 runs and 40 wickets.

``If I can go on to get 1,000 runs, which I should be able to do, then I would be pleased with that.

``I was offered the chance to play as professional with Whalley a few years back but we had Allan Donald at Rishton and I didn't particularly fancy it at the time.

``But this time it felt right, I wanted the challenge and I hope I can get a few more years.''

It has been a disappointing summer in terms of results for Immanuel but Whalley has found many positive aspects to the club.

``We probably put too many catches down earlier in the season but the lads have really worked hard at their game and there has been a big improvement in that respect,'' he said.

``There is a tremendous spirit at the club, we all stick together and the most encouraging thing for the future is that we have a lot of good young kids coming through.

``Most of them are around 13 or 14 and the future is bright.''

Last Saturday's game against leaders Cherry Tree was washed out and, tomorrow, Immanuel face an equally tough trip to Padiham, currently lying second.

``They are all big games for us,'' added Whalley.

``We played Padiham early in the season and should have done better. We missed some chances and still only finished about 40 runs short when we batted.

``But our lads will all give 110 per cent for the team so I have no complaints.''

Whalley has also been impressed by the standard of the league.

``I had heard that standards had fallen and there was a big gap between Ribblesdale and Lancashire Leagues,'' he said.

``But it's a good standard and in most sides you could take out four players and they would easily get into Lancashire League teams.''

Cherry Tree, who take on Earby, are also at home tomorrow as the battle for the title hots up.

The most intriguing clash could come at Chatburn Road where Clitheroe, sixth but still involved, meet third-placed Read.

Tomorrow's games: Barnoldswick v Baxenden, Cherry Tree v Earby, Clitheroe v Read, Edenfield v Ribblesdale W, Great Harwood v Settle, Padiham v Oswaldtwistle I, Whalley v Blackburn N.