HIGH-flying Haslingden aim to revive their championship hopes this weekend with back-to-back games against rivals Rawtenstall as the Lancashire League is taken over by derby fever.

Rain on May 17 led to the first round of derbies being washed out - and now all teams will clash with each other twice in the space of two days, meaning local pride is at stake right across the league.

And Bent Gate stages a fascinating clash tomorrow as fifth-placed Haslingden lock horns with their closest rivals Rawtenstall.

“I can’t wait,” said skipper Graham Knowles. “I just hope the weather is good because these are the games everyone wants to play in.

“It doesn’t matter where you are in the league, form goes right out of the window. We are doing well this year and Rawtenstall are not doing that well - but anything can happen.

“We know each other well and it will be a cracking weekend.”

Haslingden were stunned last weekend as East Lancs beat them to drop them into fifth spot - but they are just 14 points adrift of leaders and reigning champions Accrington.

“There is a long way to go,” added Knowles. “We didn’t expect to lose to East Lancs after posting 250 but you can’t legislate for someone (Abdul Biswoodal) coming in and smashing a 20-odd ball 60.

“It was a bit of a shock but fair play to the lad, he was clearing the houses and we put a few catches down, which is unlike us, and we hope to put that right this weekend.”

Rawtenstall skipper Vinny Hanson described last weekend’s 200-run loss at Nelson as a shocking day – and it was a day made worse by injuries to the captain and Andy Payne.

The pair are fit for the weekend and Hanson believes that a long team chat in the wake of the Seedhill slump can spur his men on.

“Everything went wrong last Sunday,” said Hanson. “From injuries to Payney and myself to the attitude, it was a bad day.” he said.

“But we all spoke at length about what happened and everything was sorted and we will be better this weekend.

“You should never need any reason to raise your game - but the derby match should certainly bring the best out of the players.

“And maybe that’s why Linford (Knowles) is playing it cool.”

Struggling Rishton have a new captain after Andy Bartley stepped down from the role to concentrate on his batting. He has been replaced by veteran John Seedle, who will lead his charges into battle with Church, who are still waiting for the arrival of their professional Luke Woodcock.

But that is not hampering the West Enders. They have won five games on the spin to move up the league and book a place in the Worsley Cup semi-finals.

Burnley are another team with a new leader. Steve Brunt has stepped up to take over captaincy duties from professional Jeeva Kulatunga and he will be keen for a winning start tomorrow with the always exciting derby at Lowerhouse, who are searching for a sub-pro.

Pendle rivals Nelson and Colne meet at Seedhill in a game that always excites.

Nelson, despite having to rely on substitute professionals until South African Robin Petersen’s involvement with the World Twenty20 concludes after this weekend, are a side to be feared at times, while Colne recorded only their second win of the season last weekend as they thumped Rishton with skipper Jeff Ellis and Pakistani pace man Anwar Ali ripping them out for just 57.

It’s first versus second as Accrington entertain Enfield tomorrow with David Ormerod’s men eager to maintain their advantage at the top but they know they face a battle against an Enfield side who have recruited Somerset quickie Steffan Jones for the game as regular professional Gary Brent has work commitments.

Bacup welcome Ramsbottom to Lanehead in a game that could be close – but the home side are without their professional Ryan Broad, who is on duty with the Australians for the best part of a month.

And Brendan Nash will hope to bow out in style for East Lancs when they face Todmorden. The Australian-born West Indian star heads back to the Windies next week for a three Test series.