QUEENSLANDER Shawn Flegler has described this weekend's Lancashire League programme as "crucial" as Lowerhouse prepare to entertain Roger Harper's Bacup tomorrow.

With 10 points available to teams from the double-header weekend, Flegler has stressed the importance of securing enough to increase the pressure on leaders Rishton.

After last week's battling performance by Matt Hope which reaped victory at Haslingden, Flegler is confident that Lowerhouse can maintain their present momentum.

But he has warned against taking anything for granted against a side which recorded the double over the Liverpool Road side last season.

"Bacup beat us twice last season and that should give us an extra incentive to perform well tomorrow," said the 24-year-old.

"Roger Harper is the linchpin of their side but they've also got some underrated batsmen.

"And David Ormerod of course keeps piling up the wickets.

"They know their pro real well and can build their team around that.

"They are by no means pushovers and I'll be reminding our players of that.

"This weekend is a big one - it could be crucial.

"It's a big test for the lads after last weekend's great victory.

"We have to sustain that and the lads are confident that we can.

"They believe we're good enough to bat through against any side.

"It's important that the amateurs in any team chip in around the pro and are good enough to cope without him- that's what wins games."

Winning is something Roger Harper feels Bacup have got to get back into the habit of - fast.

After being skittled for 42 against an Allan Donald-inspired Rishton last weekend, Harper needs little reminding of how crucial this weekend is to his team.

"Every game is important but it's particularly so tomorrow that we return to winning ways," said the giant Guyanan, now in his eighth season at Lanehead.

"It's been a mixed season for us so far.

"At times we haven't played as well as we're capable of and other times we have been weakened through injury.

"I feel we're one bowler short at the moment, someone who can take wickets consistently.

"But we have a lot of depth in our batting on paper and we are certainly able to score runs.

"I haven't followed Lowerhouse closely this season but they got off to a great start and they're obviously capable.

"They have a good pro who's done well this season.

"But we've got to bounce back after being blown away last week and I think we can."

The rest of the league will be hoping that struggling Accrington can climb a mountain tomorrow and pull off an improbable victory over leaders Rishton at Blackburn Road.

Although the champions have a cushion at the top, they will be well aware that things can change quickly, especially over a double-header weekend.

Ramsbottom, with Chris Harris back from his international exertions, take on Church who hit form to demolish Colne last weekend.

Nelson's hopes of making further progress will be tested at Centre Vale, where professional Daniel Marsh is making a fine impression.

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

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