ALLAN Donald boomed out a rallying cry to his Rishton team-mates, after their remarkable batting collapse at Haslingden - "We are still in control of the league."

And if anyone thinks the South African pace ace would never have witnessed anything like the extraordinary events which saw Rishton crumble from 92 for two to 103 all out - only two runs short of victory - then think again.

"Yes, I've been involved in a game like that before...unfortunately," he laughed.

"It was back home in South Africa and we wanted something like 18 to win with nine wickets left. We lost!

"These things happen in cricket and we have to dig deep and, hopefully, it won't happen again."

Haslingden gained revenge for being knocked over by Donald for just 31 runs a couple of weeks earlier.

And, by co-incidence, Rishton entertain Bacup tomorrow shortly after they too were demolished - bowled out for 42 - by the speed merchant.

"I'm sure they will be looking for revenge too," said the Rishton professional.

"But we have to remember that what happened last Sunday was not the end of the world.

"We are still eight points clear at the top and in control of the league.

"I know that losing like that at Haslingden hurt our guys a lot and Bacup at home is a very big game for us. Hopefully we will have a dry pitch." Although he has had to perform in alien conditions on a number of occasions this season, Donald has shown the pedigree that persuaded Rishton to make a record signing.

Provided there are no weather extremes, the Rishton track should be well suited to his purposes, though Bacup will be determined to put up a better show than they did on home ground.

With Roger Harper in the side, they are well capable of stiff resistance.

Rishton will also be without two regular members of the side.

Robbie Walsh and Andrew Bartley are out but Craig Smith returns after missing Sunday's debacle and Lee Dobson gets a call.

"Hopefully we won't bat like we did last weekend!" added Donald.

Rishton's closest challengers East Lancs are away to lowly Rawtenstall as they bid to narrow the eight-point gap, while third-placed Ramsbottom are at home to Burnley.

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

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