Church are bottom of the Transco Lancashire League after a nightmare first nine matches, during which they have won just one game.

The were left rooted to bottom spot after Saturday's matches, when Accrington beat Burnley and they were defeated at champions and league leaders Bacup.

But one area in which the Blackburn Road club have tasted some success this season has been in the league's cup competition.

They beat Colne by six wickets in the first round - with Aussie professional Higgs making 70. They knocked out last season's finalists Bacup in the second round, winning by four wickets, helped by Higgs's 43.

And now they meet Lowerhouse at home and Higgs will be hoping to bring his cup form with him.

Since being bowled for a duck in the first game against Nelson - which, ironically, Church went on to win - Higgs has had an up and down time.

He knocked a century in the next game against Rawtenstall, scored one against Colne, 21 against Enfield, eight against Ramsbottom, 49 against Rishton and 56 not out against Bacup last Saturday.

He has averaged 27 and has made a contribution with the ball, taking 11 wickets this season.

Church are obviously delighted with him - they have offered him a year's extension to his one-year contract, taking him until the end of the 2003 season.

And back home, South Australia have swooped to sign the 25-year-old from New South Wales - and Higgs accepted despite being offered a new contract by the successful New South Wales club. To make it to the final, Church have to get past Lowerhouse, who will also be trying to keep their season alive. They are third from bottom in the league.

They have beaten Burnley and Rishton on the way to the final.

If Church win tomorrow's game, Higgs will hope to come up against his good friend Michael Clarke, who plays for the holders Ramsbottom, in the final.

The pair have played for New South Wales for several years and were delighted to both land jobs in the Lancashire League this summer.

The Rams, coached by Mick Everett, must overcome 2000 winners Todmorden in their semi-final tomorrow.

Clarke's season has taken off after a slow start - he is now the league's top batsman with an incredible average of more than 100.

When asked of Higgs's move to South Australia he joked: "I don't know what I am going to do - I'm going to be all alone!"

Ramsbottom are currently sixth in the league with three wins and two no results from their nine games.

Todmorden are one place lower in the league and are without a pro after Jerry Cassell went home with a hand injury.

The Barnoldswick professional Clinton Peake will sub-pro for the side tomorrow.

Peake has been a revelation for both Barlick in the Jennings Ribblesdale League and when he has been available to play for Todmorden.

He has scored a total of 183 in the two innings he has played in the Lancashire League.