SKIPPER Aaron Morris is relishing Tenbury Cricket Club’s short trip to local rivals Cleobury Mortimer in the Worcestershire County League.

Morris admits it will be a tough match for Tenbury, who have had mixed form since being relegated to Division Three.

Tenbury will be without Tom Gloster, who is working this Saturday.

And Morris identified former skipper Ben Griffiths and Craig Shorter as two of Cleobury’s dangermen in the derby battle.,

“It will be a tough game for us,” admitted Morris.

“I am hoping that Alex Mason will be available – he had his final exam at university last week.

“Tom Gloster won’t be available because he’s a teacher and has a school fete this Saturday.”

Morris added: “We have not played Cleobury in a weekend league match for many years.

“We have played them on a Sunday, although it hasn’t been against Cleobury’s strongest team.

“Cleobury are not a bad side and they have got some decent players.

“Ben Griffiths is a good batsman and Craig Shorter is a destructive batsman.

“I have seen Craig play on a Sunday and he looks like he can hit the ball hard.”

Tenbury’s home match last Saturday against Old Vigornians was washed out.

Morris said: “We won our first game against Alveley and they seem to be struggling and are rock bottom of the league.

“Hopefully, we will be able to get a get a good side together because it’s only 15 minutes away.”

Cleobury all-rounder Ben Griffiths is relishing the derby.

“It will be an interesting game and it’s going to be a big match for both teams,” he said.

“I have played for Cleobury for a long time and I remember being in the same division as Tenbury but I was 15 years old at the time.

“I was one of the youngest players in the side back then and I remember the matches being pretty even.”

Cleobury’s league match at Bredon was called off last weekend.

Griffiths, now 31, said: “I know a few of the Tenbury lads and they have got some very good players.

“We have not played them in the league on a Saturday for 15 years so I hope any wet weather does not get in the way.

“We are like Tenbury – we are a competitive unit when we get our strongest line-up available.

“We have some long trips in this division – like Ross-on-Wye which is a 90-minute drive from Cleobury.

“I am hoping most of the players will be interested when we played against local rivals.”