BAXENDEN skipper Mark Rishton believes his side are under no pressure as they begin their assault on the Ribblesdale Senior League title.

The Back Lane outfit began their 2008 campaign with a comprehensive 100-run win over Earby.

Many regard Baxenden as the favourites to lift the coveted trophy for the first time since 1993.

But Rishton, who led his side to the Ramsbottom Cup final and second place in the Senior League, insists his side will just take it one game at a time.

He said: "We know there's pressure from the outside but we won't let it get to us.

"I know a lot of people are tipping us to win the title, but there's a lot of cricket to be played, and a lot of good teams out there.

"We will just try and take it one game at a time. We know that, because of the players we have at the club, that teams will try and raise their game when they play us so we know we will have to play well every week."

He added: "We had a good start against Earby. They were missing a few players but we put in a good all-round performance against them.

"Dave Parkinson scored a great ton and just carried on where he left off last year, and I was pleased to get some time in the middle.

"The batters gave the bowlers something to bowl at and they responded, so it gives us some good options for the weeks to come."

And Rishton welcomes another option back into the fold this week in the shape of former England and Lancashire all-rounder Ian Austin.

The 41-year-old was forced to sit out the first week of the season after serving a ban laid down by the Northern League from his time with St Annes.

Austin was initially banned for three games by the League for comments attributed to him in a newspaper article. But the sentence was reduced to one on appeal.

Rishton added: "It's great to have Ian in the squad for the weekend and it gives us another string to our bow.

"The boys will really enjoy being in the same side as him and it will give us even more competition for places."

Rishton was the youngest member of the 1993 winning side but, as a senior member of the class of 2008, he believes Baxenden have the balance right.

"This is a much younger side than in 1993, " he said.

"We have a perfect blend of youth and experience, but we will be tested against Blackburn Northern and Cherry Tree this weekend."