RISHTON'S season could all hinge on this weekend's double header despite having the world's fastest bowler amongst their ranks.

Skipper John Wharton believes double defeat could put them out of touch with the Lancashire League pace setters - and end their attempts of retaining the title.

The defending champions have failed to live up to early expectations, having lost four of their last five games. And Wharton believes that not having a 'full time' pro is affecting the team's performance.

He said: "Having the professional around all the time does rub off on the players. Allan is no doubt a brilliant player but he is only here on match days and does not train with the team.

"I understand he has a commitment to Warwickshire Cricket Club and that is why he can not train with us and has to return home after each game."

Since arriving at the Blackburn Road side, the South African quickie has only managed one world class display taking eight wickets for 13 runs against Todmorden. In that time he has made only 34 runs.

Wharton added: "We have been disappointed with our performance and when you do not have a pro who does not bat it puts added pressure on our amateur batsmen."

Rishton's fight to save their season starts at home against Burnley on Sunday and at Nelson on Monday - two teams that have already beaten them this season.

Said Wharton: "Allan was a big signing and I know as captain I am under a lot of pressure to win something. We are already out of the cup so we only have the league to aim for now. But it is pressure I can handle and I am confident we can return to our winning ways - starting this weekend."

FIXTURES Sunday:

Bacup v Accrington, Church v East Lancs, Colne v Ramsbottom, Enfield v Rawtenstall, Haslingden v Nelson, Lowerhouse v Todmorden, Rishton v Burnley.

Monday: Accrington v Lowerhouse, Burnley v Church, East Lancs v Bacup, Nelson v Rishton, Ramsbottom v Enfield, Rawtenstall v Colne, Todmorden v Haslingden.

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