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Indian run machine Surendra Bhave has issued an apology to Jennings Ribblesdale League bowlers.

Not for the amount of runs he has again plundered this season - to date standing at 639 at an average of 91.28 - but for his sub-conscious habit while batting.

For wayward bowlers are informed of the result of their inaccuracy long before the ball crosses the boundary, as Bhave casually states ``four'' immediately it leaves his bat.

And, should his opponent deliver a full toss, the bowler receives a polite ``thankyou'' from the other end as the ball inevitably meets the same fate.

``I don't do it to annoy anybody. I'm just concentrating and a few words come out spontaneously.

``The young South African side that toured India this winter shout 'hit' as they strike the ball or 'catch' when they are catching it as part of co-ordinating doubling up.

``But that is nothing to do with the habit I've got into.

``It just happens - it is in my game unknowingly,'' he explained.

Despite the frequency of their professional's remarks this season, Settle have again struggled and face a daunting trip to Ribblesdale Wanderers tomorrow after hosting leaders Cherry Tree today.

And Bhave knows that, having picked up wins against other strugglers in recent weeks, a shock result would be a bonus. He said: ``There are still things we need to work on as a team.

``Hopefully we can nick a win from one of the top teams then we will have more confidence against the sides we have already beaten.

``We now have young players coming through into the side such as batsman Robbie Preston and the left arm spinner Adam Gowland. I had a few more runs at this stage last season but I am starting to score the runs again and hopefully a dry weekend will get me a few more runs.''

Tomorrow's game at Church Meadow could see a run feast as Bhave is pitched against the prolific Shahid Nawaz.

He has so far scored a staggering 838 league runs at a staggering average of 139.67.

And Bhave is struggling to detect a weakness in the Pakistani's game.

He said: ``He looks to go after the bowling and if he gets the first 40 or 50 quickly then it is a big knock every time.

``But one of these days he is going to be out early. I know, as a batting pro, I am going to be out early on occasions.''

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