Hard work pays off for Hodge BEFORE you ever sell anything to John Bradley Hodge, be it a house, a car, a full set of Wisdens, a pot kangaroo or whatever -- a word in your shell-like.

Make doubly sure it is in good shape and don't try any hoodwinking tactics.

For the young Australian is what you might call careful; someone who likes to check things out -- things like Ramsbottom Cricket Club.

Most overseas professionals who play league cricket over here tend to fly in sometime during early April as complete strangers, knowing little or nothing about the general state of play. Some are even surprised by the weather!

Not Brad Hodge.

After agreeing a deal to spend the millennium summer at Acre Bottom, 25-year-old Brad set about doing his homework.

And you know what they say -- a result is usually only as good as the preparation.

For evidence that the theory works take a glance at the current Lancashire League table where Ramsbottom, fourth bottom last year, currently sit on top of the pile within fingernail-biting distance of claiming the title. Three wins would almost certainly rule out the challenge of Bacup and East Lancs who host Colne and travel to Accrington respectively tomorrow.

Brad had "checked out" Rammy and the playing personnel before he arrived and then, within a couple of net practices and a team meeting of two, had highlighted just how he might be able to ignite a championship challenge from his unfancied team. "I spoke to a few people in advance, the likes of David Saker (Enfield) and Ian Harvey who was at Ramsbottom a few years back. They gave me a few pointers and I had an idea about who was capable of what. Then, after watching the team train I called a meeting and explained a few things.

"I felt there were a couple of players who were under-achieving, not because they weren't dedicated enough, more because they weren't being given the right sort of help and guidance. "Mark Dentith and Simon Read sprint to mind. Loose cannons if you like, but two players who have listened hard and worked even harder and have gone on to produce some great cricket.

"I told the team that those two would be key guys if we were to make a big impact, but that every individual would have to play his part. The response has been brilliant, especially to the training and practice sessions.

"We have increased the motivation, made the nights more exciting and intense and it has resulted in a great all-round improvement, not least in our fielding. We have stopped dropping six or seven catches a game which was the norm early on.

"By and large I am a fairly low-key sort of guy, but there has been the odd rocket here and there. The guys appreciate that I will only blow up when such action is needed and we have a great spirit in the dressing room."

Brad's own efforts with the bat can also be measured by the league table of averages. He went into this weekend's action at Nelson within a decent half-century of reaching the magical 1000 runs -- not bad considering the weather and the "disappointing" standard of tracks.

"I thought the pitches might have been a little better to be honest and it has not been easy to score runs, but the standard of cricket has been quite high."

Brad has experienced the English summer scene before, a spell with Farnworth three years ago saw him break the league batting record with a staggering 1700 runs at an average of more than 100!

Back home he has played for Victoria for seven years -- a top score of 120 versus Queensland -- and has represented Australia A in games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka and on a tour of Los Angeles.

A full international appearance has eluded him thus far, but hope springs eternal: "I am still patiently waiting for the chance to come my way, but all I can do is continue to work hard at my game, score as many runs as possible and pray that someone notices." Brad and his girlfriend Megan, who have spent the summer living in Stubbins, admit an increasing sense of homesickness. But that no means rules out a return trip next year.

It is hardly a surprise to learn that Ramsbottom officials have already offered terms to the run machine. The decision is exclusively Brad's.

"I am excited about being given the opportunity to come back, but for now I still have to finish off the job for this season. After that it will be a case of weighing up all my options. The only thing I will say is that if I do have another season in league cricket in England I will look no further than Ramsbottom." TRANSCO LANCASHIRE LEAGUE

P W L T Nr Bp Pd Ttl

Ramsbottom... 23 15 4 1 3 25 1 190

Bacup... 23 13 9 1 0 47 0 184

East Lancs... 23 14 6 1 2 31 0 184

Colne... 23 14 8 0 1 24 0 167

Nelson... 24 13 10 0 1 27 0 160

Church... 23 12 11 0 0 31 1 150

Todmorden... 24 11 9 1 3 19 0 145

Lowerhouse... 23 12 9 0 2 18 1 143

Accrington... 23 1 12 0 0 29 0 139

Haslingden... 23 7 13 0 3 60 1 138

Rawtenstall... 23 7 15 0 1 38 0 111

Rishton... 23 6 14 0 3 39 1 107

Burnley... 23 7 15 0 1 33 1 105

Enfield... 23 7 14 0 2 27 0 103 TOMORROW'S

FIXTURES Accrington v East Lancs

Bacup v Colne

Haslingden v Church

Lowerhouse v Rawtenstall

Nelson v Ramsbottom

Rishton v Enfield

Todmorden v Burnley