BACUP could win the league at last this weekend - or they could let Enfield right back in it.

Maximum points in today's game at home to Church and from tomorrow's trip to Ramsbottom could secure the title if other results go the club's way.

The champions - who are looking to secure their third successive Transco Lancashire League title - have been 33 points clear since the middle of July and it has looked odds-on since then that they would retain their crown.

But club chairman Colin Shaw said no one was taking anything for granted.

"We could win it this weekend or we could make a big mess of it if we lose both games and Enfield win both of theirs," he said.

"There are still 60 points to play for and I am sure Enfield haven't given up yet.

"I know it is an old football adage but you have to take each game as it comes.

"All the Bacup players are on top of their games and they are focused. They don't think they have won it yet."

A number of clubs have won the league three times on the bounce, including Haslingden, Burnley and Nelson, but Bacup have never achieved that particular feat.

"It will be a little bit of history if we do it and we will be delighted.

"But we were just happy when we won it two years ago and it was the first time in 40 years."

Bacup are known for the lethal bowling of the likes of the professional Shaun Young and amateur David Ormerod.

But Shaw said it was the characters in the dressing room who also contributed to the club's success.

"There are loads of characters. John Chapman, the wicket keeper, in particular. When it was raining last week and the pitch was like a swimming pool he ran across it in his underwear and did a belly flop in it.

"Kipper's one of the stars of the dressing room - and don't ask me why we call him that!"

Bacup have asked Young to return for a third season but uncertainty back in Australia has meant he can't commit either way.

Young has been released by Tasmania after many years of loyal service.

"I have been released by Tasmania which could be the end of my first class career," he said.

"It is very disappointing the way it happened but that's life, it throws these challenges at you.

"It would have made it easier to return next year but now it is uncertain.

"I am just focusing on winning the league with Bacup now. I don't know if it will be this weekend because looking at the fixtures Enfield should get two 12-point wins but I don't think anyone will catch us.

"Especially now that Martin Van Jaarsveld has gone home. That will make it very difficult for Enfield and easier for us because most of the teams we are playing won't have their sub-pros either."

TOMORROW'S FIXTURES: Burnley v Lowerhouse, Church v Rishton, Colne v Nelson, East Lancs v Todmorden, Enfield v Accrington, Ramsbottom v Bacup, Rawtenstall v Haslingden.