DAVID ORMEROD could hold the key to Bacup clinching back to back Lancashire League title's for the first time since the 1920's.

The bowler - who describes himself as 'slow medium pace' although his team-mates joke it's a 'snail's pace' - will help to soak up the pressure as his side face a last ditch fight with East Lancs to clinch the crown on the last weekend of the season.

Bacup travel to Lowerhouse today and they could have the title wrapped up if they win and East Lancs, who they have a two point advantage over, lose to third placed-chasing Enfield today.

But it could all be down to tomorrow when East Lancs travel to Nelson while Bacup are at home to Enfield.

Ormerod is hoping it's all over sooner rather than later.

"It would be nice if it was all over today," said Ormerod who is in his 12th season at Lanehead.

"But we have got to be confident going into the weekend. We have just got to think two lots of 12 points and the title's ours. We have got to pick up the bonus points and then that's it."

Ormerod has made a vital contribution to Bacup's success this season as they bid to reclaim the title. Last year Ormerod celebrated a post-war club record of 85 wickets as Bacup claimed their first title in 40 years.

This time he has taken a crucial 66 wickets while professional Shaun Young has claimed the scalps of 85 batsman.

But it will be crucial the deadly duo get another tomorrow if it comes to the wire - as Enfield's Martin van Jaarsveld is a big hitter.

The South African needs 119 runs over the weekend to break his club's record of 1437, set in 1959.

"He is a class act," said Ormerod. "He is a top batsman and I would love him to break the record - but please let him do it against East Lancs today!

"Even so, he will be the main one to get out. The top class pros can make an ordinary ball look like a bad ball but it is only one ball which could be the answer - and that's what I'll be looking for. One bit of magic."

After celebrating last season, Bacup know what it feels like but to rewrite the club's history books would mean a lot. Bacup last won back to back titles in 1923 and 24.

"It would be great to do that. We are one of, if not, the best-supported clubs in the league and it would be a reward for our loyal supporters as well as us," continued Ormerod.

"We missed out in the Worsley Cup final to Ramsbottom and we didn't play well that day so it has made us more determined.

"I don't think we have lost a game since June, except the cup final, and we are keen to keep that run going. "It will be extremely nerve racking but once we are in the dressing rooms and the game begins, that's it. But saying that, all credit to East Lancs. They have had to play without a regular pro for a lot of the season but they have kept going and never let up.

"All credit to them - but I hope we are the ones that are celebrating come tomorrow night."

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