ROGER Harper believes Bacup can still make a robust Lancashire League challenge.

The West Indies master blaster is enjoying his seventh season at Lanehead and is already in prime-time form with the willow.

And while Harper faces a solid task to match his awesome 1995 run feast of 1,071 - he remains the foundation for any future Bacup success.

"We slipped off the pace a bit when we lost to Haslingden last weekend but we are still very much in the hunt at the half-way mark of the season," predicted Harper.

"Losing John Nuttall to BAC at Bolton was a big blow to us. He was one of our main strike bowlers last season and picked up nearly 40 wickets for us.

"We're perhaps missing his strikepower, although we've shown quite consistent form with the bat.

"Andy Pooler scored a very good 63 against Haslingden last weekend and he looks a good prospect."

Harper's 40 wickets leaves him well placed in the league bowling averages. A maximum points haul against Church tomorrow could claim a top four position for Bacup - their highest placing of the campaign.

"Over the next two weekends we face Todmorden and Rishton, so that will prove a big test for us," added Harper. "There is a good spirit at Bacup and the main thing is that we just keep winning and challenging. With the right application we can still make big in-roads against the main championship contenders."

League leaders Rishton, boosted by their double over Lowerhouse, will take some stopping now.

The champions possess a seven-point lead going into tomorrow's home game against Colne. Another victory will keep them firmly on track to retain their title.

"We are playing some solid cricket and we've hit some good form lately," added professional Allan Donald. Lowerhouse - hanging on to second spot by their fingertips - will be desperate to get back to winning ways after the setbacks of the last two fixtures. They take on Enfield at Liverpool Road.

Ramsbottom's Kiwi professional Chris Harris could pass the 350-run barrier tomorrow. His classy 85 in the five-wicket win over struggling neighbours Rawtenstall last weekend gave the Ramsbottom championship charge another mighty lift.

Ramsbottom, though, face a tough examination at Todmorden. Haslingden, who saw professional Brad McNamara club 91 against Bacup, take on East Lancs at Bentgate.

At the foot of the table, Accrington go in search of only their second win of the season against Burnley at Thorneyholme Road.

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