THE only way is up for Bacup on this evidence and a jubilant Lanehead skipper David Thompson agreed, writes PETER WHITE.

In stark contrast, they could well pass Saturday's Lanehead victims Rishton travelling in the opposite direction.

Judged on Saturday's poor performance, the side that went into the game second only to Nelson are more pretenders to the crown than contenders.

With bleak skies overhead and a chill wind, it was a miserable day.

But Bacup provided some high spots to match their ground's location in a one-sided affair in which they out-thought, outfought and overwhelmingly outplayed their opponents.

And, even though he didn't score a run, didn't send down a single delivery or take a catch, Thompson's display as skipper was one of them.

His positive attitude, astute use of his bowlers, constant encouragement and decision to declare were all proof of a man who - in his first season as captain - has clearly come to terms with the new rules.

It might not have shown in his team's league position in the first half of the season. But don't back against a big Bacup improvement.

Especially if their value-for-money professional Brad White can continue to perform as he did against Rishton.

Thompson certainly believes better days lie ahead and he is determined to achieve them by playing positive cricket.

"That's the way we have tried to play all season and we will continue to do so," he said after an easy win by exactly 100 runs. "We have a well-balanced side and a first-class professional. That was probably his best innings so far and he deserved more wickets for his bowling. But we haven't had a lot of luck and should really have won one or two more games.

"I decided before the start that if we could get 170 or 180 on the board after 50 overs I would declare. I believe you have to take a gamble and a few risks in this type of cricket.

"You might lose one or two games but you have to go for the win."

Bacup's prospects could soon improve if they continue in this vein.

They handled spin doctor Corrie Jordaan as well as any side this season with White hitting a dozen boundaries in his 72, including one or two exquisite drives.

The pro was the mainstay of the innings and was clearly angry when he chased one and was caught behind.

Robbie Walsh (2-14) made a happy return for Rishton and Scott Greaves claimed his first league wicket of the season, but it was a premature celebration as Bacup went on to post 184-6 declared.

The re-introduction of Jordaan late on proved a failure as John Chapman, in typical beligerent mood, belted him for a couple of big sixes.

Rishton weren't chasing a massive total, or trying to beat the rain in a 15-over slog, yet big-hitting skipper Russell Whalley opted to open with Stuart Roberts. It was an admirable statement of intent in one respect but, in another, symptomatic of the kamikaze cricket which is so often a feature of Rishton's game.

The ploy failed and they were soon in trouble with teenager James Cunliffe wrecking the top order.

He was helped by some rash batting from a side not unfamiliar with a suicidal tendency and the rest of the attack also enjoyed themselves.

Rishton might reflect on the fact that more should have batted with the commonsense of Neil Wells but, simplistic though it seems, if Jordaan fails with the ball and Whalley with the bat, there wasn't too much else to worry opponents.

From the early stages of this game, the enthusiasm and effectiveness of Bacup was clearly superior.

Eventually, they also collected the points they deserved.

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