SPRINGBOK Paul Rayment is the sub professional for champions Rishton tomorrow when they open their Lancashire League title defence at Rawtenstall.

Rayment steps into Meryck Pringle's shoes after his arrival was delayed by a chaotic round of cup Cricket in South Africa.

The Western Province all-rounder Rayment boasts a first-rate pedigree is no stranger to English conditions, having previously played for Bradshaw in the Bolton League and has signed up for Walkden for the 1997 campaign.

Meanwhile, ex-Turf Moor favourite Rudra Singh, the Lancashire Cricket Board Youth Development Officer, makes a swift return to his old club tomorrow.

The gifted Indian all-rounder is the sub professional replacement for South African Dale Blenkenstein for Burnley's pipe opener against Brad McNamara's Haslingden.

The 22-year-old South African all-rounder is also involved in a domestic tournament with Province side Natal and could yet miss next weekend's tough double header against Accrington and Bacup.

Skipper Peter Brown believes Blenkenstein could be the man to revive Turf Moor fortunes after a disappointing campaign last season.

He said: "The new professional has got a very good pedigree and has enjoyed a very good season with Natal. They have won the league and done well in the cup.

"He has scored four centuries this season and should arrive at Burnley in very good nick."

Burnley finished in the lower reaches of the Lancashire League last season, and Brown added: "We have stronger strength in depth this time and I'm very confident that we can do a lot better this year."

Haslingden have strengthened their side with the additions of wicket keeper batsman Jack Simpson, and all-rounder Steve Dearden.

Nelson, though, were still searching for a late replacement for South African Alan Dawson, who is not due to arrive in Lancashire for another week and will miss the game at East Lancs.

Neighbours Colne welcome back powerhouse Aussie Ben Johnson to the Horsfield and he will be the man to watch when Colne take on close rivals Todmorden.

The free-scoring Johnson re-wrote the Lancashire League record books with a firestorm of runs in 1996, with the South Australian clocking up 1,718 - including eight centuries.

Johnson was dropped from the South Austrlian team in the winter but fought his way back into contention.

He said: "I really enjoyed last season with Colne and it was always my intention to come back here.

"We must try and consolidate on the progress we made in 1996 and I'm sure we will. I was really pleased with my run consistency but I'm not setting any targets.."

Enfield, too, will be expecting fireworks from Aussie young gun Shane Lee.

The new South Wales man topped the Somerset batting averages in 1996 with 1,300 runs, including five centuries at a blistering average of 65.00.

"He is a fantastic prospect and we think he will do really well in the league," said an Enfield spokesman.

Church's new professional Brendan Creevey, a quick bowler from Queensland, will make his debut against Lowerhouse, who have South African spinner Corrie Jordaan in their ranks following the disappointment of losing Shawn Flegler, who was refused a work permit.

Matt Hope has replaced Gary Moorhouse as skipper and is looking for a top four finsh for Lowerhouse.

"I think we can finish a higher this season than than we have over the past couple of seasons. We only finished a couple of points adrift of fourth place last season and that was a very good all-round effort from the boys.

"Corrie has played non-stop first class cricket for the past year and, as soon as he gets used to the different conditions, I'm sure he will make his mark on the league."

Accrington are banking on an upturn of fortunes after securing the major signing of New Zealander Nathan Astle, and face a tough assignment at Ramsbottom.

Lowerhouse have organised a "meet the pro" night at the club next Thursday (8.30 pm). 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.