LARRY PEARSON is a rare breed in the world of cricket and in the perfect position to monitor the form of his beloved East Lancashire.

For Larry has been chairman of the club for the past two years AND first team scorer since 1969 - the longest serving in the Lancashire League.

On Sunday, the league's most successful side in the Worsley Cup - winners on 13 occasions and runners up 10 times - take on a Church side looking to avenge last weekend's league defeat.

Prior to that they travel to Colne on Saturday looking to improve on their start to the season that has seen them win two and lose two.

Larry, who first joined the club as a 13-year-old in 1964, hopes his side can improve on last season's disappointing eighth position and early cup exit. With his bird's eye view, he has the ideal vantage point.

He said: "We have started in fits and starts this year and just need our bowlers to be more consistent and batsman to concentrate more. The early stages of the season are vital because they can shape the remainder of the season."

He said: "We have a new professional in Billy Stelling who is full of enthusiasm and has bags of energy. We have also brought back Phil Mercer and Darryl Redhead to the club.

"Only Phil Mooney has left the club due to personal commitments so we still have the majority of our playing staff here and are confident we can improve on last year."

"Church will beout for revenge and it should be a close game. We are arch rivals but have a good relationship."

Fixtures:

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

Sunday: Jennings Worsley Cup first round: Accrington v Colne, Bacup v Burnley, East Lancs v Church, Haslingden v Todmorden, Lowerhouse v Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom v Rishton.

Byes for Enfield and Nelson.

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