TODMORDEN have not lifted a Lancashire League title since 1957.

But all that could be about to change.

A memorable play-off defeat against Nelson in 1986 was the last time Centre Vale supporters got close to the coveted silverware.

A decade later, and professional Daniel Marsh says the foundations are in place to launch a rapid path to championship triumph.

With Todmorden handily placed in third spot, a point behind Chris Harris' Ramsbottom, it underlines his early aspirations as the South Australian savours a first season in English cricket.

Tomorrow Todmorden take on leaders Lowerhouse at Liverpool Road in the Lancashire League match of the day.

A fixture which saw Queenslander Shawn Flegler make a blistering 144 not out before the Bank Holiday rain washed out the original fixture on May 26.

"I really believe we've got what it takes to win the Lancashire League, I really do," declared Marsh.

"We've got a fantastic spirit in the camp and everybody is working for one another.

"Just look at the games we've played and the progress made out on the pitch. We've beaten Haslingden twice and gave a great account of ourselves against Rishton.

"By all reports they've let themselves down a bit over the past couple of seasons, but as far as I'm concerned we've got a very promising side. Our bowlers and fielders have put pressure on sides this season and that is why we've got the results.

"Tomorrow is a really important game. It is another milestone for us. If we can produce another result then who is to say we can't go on and to win the championship."

Marsh's early optimism is supported by the League batting averages and six wins from their first eight games. Only Lowerhouse, beaten just once, can boast a brighter return. One of the keys to the Todmorden revival is opener Brian Heywood.. Heywood has smashed over 350 runs from eight innings, a creditable return, and Marsh's 71 not out against Burnley last weekend boosted his average well into the seventies.

"Brian has batted really well this season. He does a great job for the team, especially now he is batting higher up the order."

Marsh made his Sheffield Shield bow for South Australia in 1993/94 - and promptly lifted the Bradman Medal for performances in grade cricket in South Australia. A right-hand batsman and orthodox left-hand spinner, Marsh added: "I've feel I've settled down to English conditions quite well. I've had to get used to the slow, wet wickets and I feel I've adjusted quite well to the movement."

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

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