Lancashire League

HAMISH Anthony starts the chase for a unique double with Haslingden at Oldham tomorrow and his skipper Mark Griffin believes the West Indies star is in the sort of form to pull it off.

Like Nelson, Haslingden were unluckily beaten on a "bowl-out" when the weather washed out the semi-finals of last summer's inaugural Challenge Trophy between the 14 Lancashire League clubs and their 16 counterparts from the Central Lancashire League.

But Anthony, then with CLL side Littleborough, went on to earn a winner's medal as they defeated Werneth in the final.

Tomorrow he starts again at Oldham with Haslingden, who would dearly like to go all the way.

"He has been playing well for us and is at the top of his form," said the Bentgate skipper.

"He can only bowl nine overs tomorrow because of the rules of the competition so we'll be looking to him for a few runs. And, if he picks up two or three wickets in his bowling stint, he will have done his job.

"The Worsley Cup is like this competition now with restrictions on the bowlers and it makes for very interesting cricket. The best all-round sides will win through and we are happy with what we have got.

"We were unlucky last season and I think most people were looking towards a Haslingden-Littleborough final.

"But, as we had two home games and one at Middleton where we had played a pre-season friendly, we didn't really get the taste of the competition.

"It will be different tomorrow as it will be a first time for 10 of us at Oldham and, while we have been told it's not the best place to go, they are doing well this season and we are looking forward to it." Nelson have the advantage of a home draw against Stand, whose Australian professional Mike Warden has played at Seedhill before - as a substitute pro for Rishton.

Ex-Rishton players John Seedle and Craig Smith have also joined him at Stand.

Lowerhouse face a testing tie, away to early CLL leaders Royton, while Bacup will fancy their chances at home to Stockport, who are bottom of the table.

Accrington and Todmorden both have to travel but their respective opponents, Heywood and Middleton, are struggling near the foot of the CLL.

More than half the CLL clubs have retained the same professionals as last season but one new pro will be a familiar face to Lancashire League followers as he visits Turf Moor with Radcliffe.

Former Ramsbottom and Haslingden amateur all-rounder Steve Dearden is the Radcliffe professional this season.

Lees Brewery are again sponsoring the competition and start time is 1.30pm.

The full first round draw is:

Ashton v RISHTON, BACUP v Stockport, BURNLEY v Radcliffe, CHURCH v Unsworth, ENFIELD v Rochdale, Heywood v ACCRINGTON, Middleton v TODMORDEN, NELSON v Stand, Norden v COLNE, Oldham v HASLINGDEN, RAMSBOTTOM v Crompton, RAWTENSTALL v Walsden, Royton v LOWERHOUSE, Werneth v EAST LANCS. Byes: Littleborough and Milnrow

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