GUY Whittall doesn't see any reason why underdogs Rawtenstall should not be celebrating another Jennings Worsley Cup prize scalp tomorrow night.

The popular Zimbabwean, thoroughly enjoying his first season at Bacup Road, helped Rawtenstall shrug off their league problems to wreck Lowerhouse's 100 per cent record in the first round of the knockout.

And, having climbed that mountain, he knows that tomorrow's quarter-final tie with double-chasing Ramsbottom could be an even higher peak to reach.

But the 23-year-old doesn't lack confidence, in himself or his team-mates who have helped him adjust to life in the Lancashire League.

He believes the spirit in the side could prove a significant factor.

"Yes, I think we can do it. Although we have been losing, our team has run every game quite close and they are all geed up and really trying hard," he said.

"We have taken most games to the last over and we have a very gutsy side.

"They all try very hard and haven't been down at any stage. Perhaps we just need a bit of luck and I can see us having a much better second half of the season. "We can do it against Ramsbottom if we can get some runs on the board and bowl well."

Kiwi Chris Harris will be the obvious danger man to Rawtenstall, a fact acknowledged by Whittall.

"He's a very good player," he said of the Ramsbottom pro. "And he did very well last season. But if we can get him early and get through the top of the order, then we will have a good chance.

"I wasn't too happy about my bowling but I am a bit happier about my own form now.

"And, thanks to my team-mates, I am really enjoying things."

Whittall has also managed to chalk up a notable first which could help inspire a change of fortune for him and the team - he recently scored a half-century at Lord's!

A member of the MCC, he was invited to play in one of their many representative matches against the Club Cricket Conference.

"I've never played at Lord's and when they called me and I found out the game was there, I just couldn't miss it," he said.

"It was good to get a 50 and I am hoping I can play a few more games for them. It helps to stay in shape during the week."

Ramsbottom will start favourites tomorrow but they will be wary of Whittall striking top form in a team whose professional is confident that progress can be made in both league and cup. Holders Nelson begin their defence of the trophy, co-incidentally at Enfield, the other side to receive a first round bye.

Franklyn Rose has been in fine form for Enfield this season, while Nelson have struggled uncharacteristically and will need to improve on their league form if they are to enjoy another cup run.

It could well be close at Alexandra Meadows where Billy Stelling has made a big early impression for East Lancs.

Their opponents Haslingden, however, are keen to go one better than last year when they finished runners-up to Nelson.

Haslingden's win over Todmorden in the last round was one of the top performances.

Accrington can put thoughts of their nightmarish league form to one side, but they have a tough task in store at Bacup where Roger Harper remains a massive inspiration.

The only success for Accrington so far this season came in the first round of the cup, when they defeated Colne, and they will have to hit a new peak to maintain their interest in the knockout.

Second round ties (1-15pm start) are:

Bacup v Accrington

Rawtenstall v Ramsbottom

East Lancs v Haslingden

Enfield v Nelson

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