KEITH Arthurton has the Lancashire League run record in his sights after a prolific start to the season, writes PETE OLIVER.

The Rawtenstall professional has scored 652 league runs from just nine visits to the crease and has scored more than current record holder Ben Johnson at the corresponding stage of the season.

But Johnson had the advantage of batting 26 times for his aggregate of 1,718 for Colne two summers ago, whereas Arthurton faces a maximum of just 24 innings - provided no further matches are lost to the weather.

"I am working towards getting the record but it will be very difficult," said the West Indian left-hander. "The weather plays a very big part now they don't play the games again.

"What I could have on my side is that July and August are normally the best two months when the sun comes out and you get better wickets to bat on.

"I have been batting on some wet wickets and still got some runs. "It's all about patience and waiting for the right one. It's all about hard work and I take my game very seriously whatever level I'm playing at."

The Rishton attack, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Corrie Jordaan, will be trying to curtail Arthurton's run spree tomorrow while Rawtenstall look to continue their recent climb up the table to sixth.

Again the weather could hold the key. "I like batting against spin bowling. If it's a good track I back myself," added Arthurton who is also on target to surpass the club record run aggregate of 1,344.

"I don't really look at that one, I look at the league record. In doing so I should, somewhere along the line, pass Michael Bevan," he said.

The Leeward Islander has already claimed one piece of history from Bevan, his four league centuries beating by one Bevan's total in 1993. And it would be a foolish man to back against the former Ramsbottom pro adding to that tally.

"I always said I would like to play at this club. I like the atmosphere and when the sun comes out it inspires and motivates me," he added.

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

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.