THE lure of the Ashes and the advice of Aussie legend Allan Border prompted Brendan Creevey to pit his wits against the best of the rest in the Lancashire League.

And while he has virtually given up all hope of appearing in the most famous Test series of them all, the Queenslander's desire to improve his all-round game was his decision to join Church.

While the Blackburn Road side are struggling at the wrong end of the table, Creevey is beginning to enjoy the learning curve that Border - one of Australia's most successful captains - told him the Lancashire League was all about.

Creevey said: "It was too good an opportunity to miss out on especially in the Ashes season. I spoke to a lot of people about coming over here and Allan was instrumental in me making my decision."

Border enjoyed a stint in the league with East Lancashire back in 1978 which set him up for a glittering Test career - but the 27-year-old pace bowler does not regret coming over earlier in his career, a move which might have seen him reap similar dividends.

With the season reaching the half way stage, Creevey pointed out that too many clubs rely on the professional to get them out of trouble - including beleagured Church. He said: "On our day we are a match for anybody but it is all about being a team game. I have noticed in a lot of teams that if the pro doesn't perform the team doesn't perform. All we have to do is be more consistent. We have to take the positive aspects of the first half of the season, build on them and start climbing the league."

Creevey, with 34 wickets and 247 runs so far this season, will be hoping the climb starts at Rishton on Saturday. Fixtures: Saturday: Accrington v Enfield, Bacup v Ramsbottom, Haslingden v Rawtenstall, Lowerhouse v Burnley, Nelson v Colne, Rishton v Church, Todmorden v East Lancs.

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