KEITH Arthurton believes Nelson are the best club side he's played for -- and is confident the club can make it a hat-trick of Transco Lancashire League titles this summer.

Arthurton had the unenviable task of filling the shoes of Roger Harper who helped Nelson to the championship in each of his two seasons at Seedhill.

But the West Indian strokemaker, no slouch himself in Lancashire League cricket after prolific spells with both Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall, shot down the theory that Nelson's success was purely down to the massive influence of Harper.

"When I first came here after Roger it was said it was like a one-man band. But it isn't a one-man band," he insisted.

"This is the best team I have played in in league cricket. When I was at Ramsbottom we had a good team but, in terms of depth and balance, this is the best."

Nelson made a bad start to the defence of their crown when they were dismissed by Church for just 68 on the opening day of the season. And Arthurton has been impressed with Church's resurgence as they still sit at the top of the table.

But the Leeward Islander isn't overly concerned with other sides and believes that Nelson can make up the 11-point gap at the top, starting at former club Rawtenstall tomorrow, as they put a threatening run together.

"We've won five straight games now and I think we can do it. There's no doubt about that but it's up to us to play well," he added.

Arthurton topped the league batting averages in three of the four seasons he played in the league prior to this season and despite a less than spectacular start is averaging 63 this time around.

Rawtenstall professional Matthew Mott has been in outstanding form as the league's top-scorer with 480 runs.

However, Arthurton is confident of chalking up another win at Bacup Road.

"He's been doing a good job. But if you put pressure on the pro and get him cheaply you've got a chance," he said.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Burnley v Accrington, Church v Bacup, Colne v Rishton, East Lancs v Haslingden, Enfield v Lowerhouse, Ramsbottom v Todmorden, Rawtenstall v Nelson.