ALLAN DONALD may be the world's fastest bowler and certainly the most feared in the Lancashire League - but he admits it has been the batting that has put rejuvenated Rishton on top of the table.

Five straight victories has transformed the defending Lancashire League champions from mid-table misfits to a team that now leads the table by seven points.

And they can strengthen that lead this weekend when they face a double header against Colne and East Lancashire.

"We have a very strong bowling attack and probably the best bunch of fielders in the league," said Donald. "But that counts for nothing if we are not performing with the bat.

"Now though we are beginning to produce the goods and that has been reflected by our improved position in the league."

Donald (pictured) will be looking long and hard to pick up some batting tips and improve his own technique.

He said: "My confidence with the bat is growing, I'm coming onto the front foot more and coming down the wicket, and the experience should help me at test level, too. If I reach a target of 400 runs with Rishton this summer I will be delighted."

By Rishton's own high standards, they made a nightmare start to the season as the team failed to click - and Donald struggled to come to terms with the wickets.

But judging by recent performances - including the 'double' over previous leaders Lowerhouse - that is all behind them. And Donald now leads the bowling averages with a 45 wicket haul. That's just under half the 100-wicket yardstick he set himself at the start of the campaign.

And Donald admitted that while the wins begin to tot up, so does the team's confidence.

"We were a bit low when we went through that inconsistent period but now team spirit is sky high and we are in a winning mood which is the best tonic of all," he said.

He added: "I am pleased with my performances but it did take a while to get used to the wickets. The victories over Lowerhouse were very important, but it is too early to talk about winning titles. We just have to take each game as it comes and we know we are in for two tough games this weekend."

The South African quickie also praised his bowling partners John Seedle and Robbie Walsh - who weighed in with a six-wicket haul at Lowerhouse on the weekend.

But he said their success has been mainly down to the fact the opposition batsmen have relaxed against his bowling colleagues after withstanding a blast of African white lightning!

He said: "A lot of batsmen concentrate so hard on trying to survive one of my overs that when it comes to either John or Robbie they think all the hard work has been done - but that is not the case."

And judging that the two have taken 37 wickets between them so far this season, their more illustrious strike partner is not wrong!

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