AS East Lancashire continue their march towards the unique treble, chairman Larry Pearson insists that big Roger Harper is the man to fear.

For the Alexandra Meadows side entertain leaders Nelson in a top of the table clash they can ill afford to lose - and the West Indian all-rounder is the man who could shatter their dreams of winning silverware on all fronts.

Having already booked a place in the final of the Worsley Cup and face Milnrow on Sunday in the quarter final of the LCL and CLL KO Cup, second-placed East Lancs are in the perfect position. However, defeat against Nelson could leave East Lancs trailing by 21 points and with a mountain to climb.

Mr Pearson said: "Roger Harper is definitely the player to watch. He has been one of the best professionals in the league over the years, both with Bacup and now Nelson.

"He is a superb bowler and has the ability to bring the best out of the amateurs around him so he is the man we have to watch.

"However, we are still in with a chance of winning three trophies and going for the treble is our main priority. But defeat on Saturday would leave us with a mountain to climb and give teams like Rishton and Haslingden the chance to close the gap on us."

East Lancashire will be looking to avenge last season's defeat against Milnrow when they beat them in the first round of the Central Lancashire and Lancashire Cricket League Challenge Trophy. While East Lancs have a full squad to pick from, Mr Pearson admitted that they will be on the lookout for a new professional to take over from Brad Young who has been selected for Australia A's tour of Scotland and Ireland.

Saturday: Burnley v Haslingden, Church v Lowerhouse, Colne v Todmorden, East Lancs v Nelson, Enfield v Bacup, Ramsbottom v Accrington, Rawtenstall v Rishton.

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