CHURCH skipper Phil Gilrane is all set for a huge weekend as he looks to pilot his men towards some long awaited silverware and hopes pro Luke Woodcock can push them towards glory.

The West Enders have semi-finals in both the 20/20 competition and the Worsley Cup as well as a league game with Bacup in between, so Woodcock’s belated arrival is just what was needed.

The Kiwi, who was sent back to New Zealand because of visa problems the first time he arrived, landed on Monday and will make his debut in tonight’s short form semi with Burnley and Church are quietly confident of success.

And after tomorrow’s meeting with Bacup, all eyes are trained on Acre Bottom as they travel to Ramsbottom for the Worsley Cup semi-final - and they are desperate to reach the showpiece for only the sixth time in their history.

They have just the one final win and that came back in 1974 then they beat Nelson and the last time Church got to the final, they were beaten by Ramsbottom in 2002.

“It’s a really big weekend,” said Gilrane. “So Luke’s arrival really is the perfect boost for the lads.

“You never know what you will get when you hire sub pros - and we have had to do that for a long time this season.

“But as soon as Luke arrived for the nets on Tuesday, everyone got a lift from it - and that could be the boost that gives us the advantage.”

Gilrane believes both semi-finals will come down to the battles between the paid men and added: “There is not a lot between the amateur talent in the sides.

“So I think tonight’s game and Sunday’s Worsley Cup match will be decided by the in-form pro - and Luke is a good player who is very hungry.

“We are looking forward to the 20/20 game because it is at home and if it is a nice night there will be a bumper crowd.

“And looking at Luke’s record in New Zealand, he has done well in it.”

That the professional is here at all is a giant boost for Church - and, according to Gilrane, says much about Woodcock’s attitude.

The 27-year-old was detained at Heathrow airport and returned to New Zealand when he first arrived in May and ongoing visa problems delayed his arrival until this week.

“Most players would have thrown the towel in and not come over after what happened,” said Gilrane.

“It is a great testament to Luke that he is now here and shows a great attitude.

"All the lads are excited and we are hoping it can give us all a lift.”

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