COLNE skipper Matt Walker believes the fine form of professional Thomas Kaber has played a key role in his side’s recent resurgence.

Colne have won three of their last four games ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with East Lancs and are up to 12th in the table, with Walker and Co eyeing a mid-table finish such has been the strength of their recent form.

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Kaber has been central to that improvement with the spin bowler taking 5-18 last time out against Rawtenstall.

And Walker believes the South African’s influence is rubbing off on the rest of the team.

“He has been bowling really well in recent weeks,” said Walker of his pro.

“Even when he hasn’t been taking wickets he has been putting the pressure on the batsman.

“I think it helps the other bowlers. Recently we have had guys who have bowled well in tandem with him but if a side is struggling to score at one end then they try to attack the other bowlers and go for shots that aren’t really there which plays into our hands.

“It makes a big difference when your pro is playing well.

“We haven’t done anything differently in recent weeks but I think it has just clicked for us.”

Colne can move above East Lancs in the table if they win tomorrow’s clash and Walker is targeting a top-10 finish for his side.

He added: “There is not much between us and the other sides down there.

“At the minute there is a little mini-league with the bottom five and we want to try and top that.

“There is no reason why we can’t continue to climb the table and look towards mid-table.

“We have just got to keep playing well and see where it takes us.

“We are not getting carried away though and we know it won’t be an easy game against East Lancs.”

Elsewhere, two of the other sides in the bottom five meet at Lanehead when basement boys Bacup host Nelson.

Rishton, a point above the bottom spot, are at home to Todmorden in ninth.

At the top, leaders Burnley face a tricky test away at Enfield, who they beat in the Twenty20 semi-finals last week, as they bid to consolidate their lead at the top of the table.

Ramsbottom, who begin the weekend eight points behind the leaders, will be looking to take advantage of any Burnley slip-up when they make the trip to third-placed Lowerhouse in another tasty encounter.

Twenty20 finalists Rawtenstall are on the road at Church while mid-table sides Haslingden and Accrington meet.