VINNY Hanson says Lowerhouse are the example of what you can achieve by developing young local players into first team stars – and wants the same results at Rawtenstall.

Hanson’s men host the Lancashire League leaders at Bacup Road tomorrow and he knows he is in for a tough game.

“You know that any side that contains Chris Bleazard is going to be hard to beat,” said Hanson.

“He is the best batsman I have played against in my 15 years in the league – but they have more about them than just Bleaz.

“They have a team made up largely of young local lads who want to play for the shirt.

“They waited so many years for some silverware and when they won the league and the Worsley Cup they lost a few players.

“They made the decision to invest in youth and develop their own talent – and that is paying off now.

“It’s what we are trying to do here at Rawtenstall, to me it is the best way forward.”

Rawtenstall are having a decent season themselves, given the fact they are still awaiting the arrival of a full-time professional.

Rocky had re-signed last year’s paid man Naved Arif but released him from his contract when he landed a call to sign for Sussex.

They then turned to Sri Lankan Malinga Bandara – but he received a call to a Twenty20 tournament on the sub-continent so instead they signed Nilantha Cooray.

But he has yet to arrive and Rawtenstall have had to hire a succession of sub-pros.

“It’s not ideal but I think we have done reasonably well all things considered,” he added.

“Lou Vincent and Brett Pelser did really well for us but when you are chopping and changing every week it upsets the batting order and you need that consistency.

“We are out of the Worsley Cup, which is a blow – but we can concentrate on the league now.

“It’s really tight and anyone can beat anyone. That’s the way you want the league to be.”

BURNLEY v TODMORDEN

Chris Burton replaces Graham Lalor in the Burnley team for the Turf Moor clash with an in-form Todmorden outfit.

Heading into this weekend Andrew Sutcliffe has enjoyed three eight wicket wins since taking over from Simon Newbitt as skipper and will be keen to carry that run on with a full strength side at his disposal.

Key Man: Steve Brunt. Verdict: Burnley.

CHURCH v HASLINGDEN

The West End clash is a repeat of today’s Worsley Cup tie at Bentgate and promises to be a close encounter.

Sam Tucker captains Church in the absence of regular skipper Craig Fergusson, who is replaced by Mark Gilrane.

Jack Sudworth, who misses today’s Worsley Cup clash, comes into the Haslingden team in place of Sam Kershaw.

Key Man: Levi Wolfenden. Verdict: Church.

COLNE v BACUP

New Colne skipper Gary Hunt takes charge of an unchanged side in the game at The Horsfield.

Matt Wilson and Jeff Ellis will look to find some form after uncharacteristically slow starts to the season.

Bacup have been hit by a blow as they miss the injured Andrew Spencer for the game. Ben Lord comes in.

Key Man: Jeff Ellis. Verdict: Colne.

EAST LANCASHIRE v ACCRINGTON

Captain Mark Bolton returns to the East Lancashire side and Mark Lomas also returns after missing last weekend, Mo Bhada and Phil Turner make way with young bowler Danny Chester keeping his place.

Accrington are unchanged from last Sunday’s dramatic one wicket derby win over Church with Graham Lloyd heading a strong batting line up.

Key Man: Graham Lloyd. Verdict: Accrington.

ENFIELD v RISHTON

Enfield add Chris Maudsley to the side that plays Ramsbottom in the Worsley Cup today for tomorrow’s local derby with struggling Rishton.

Rishton are without skipper Jimmy Bibby, who gets married today.

Shaun Hutchinson captains the team and Scott Greaves, Garth Wyse, Abdul Biswoodall, Irfan Muhammed and Sam Hacking are back after missing today’s Worsley Cup tie at Todmorden.

Key Man: Liam Jackson. Verdict: Enfield.

RAMSBOTTOM v NELSON

Former Nelson seamer Andy Hakin misses out on a clash with his old side as he is replaced in the Ramsbottom team by young spinner Tim Le Breton.

Tom Lord’s in-form Nelson are unchanged as they look to forget their bad start. Sam Halstead is closing in on a return but is still a fortnight away.

Key Man: Jon Fielding. Verdict: Nelson.

RAWTENSTALL v LOWERHOUSE

Jon Kerrigan and Matt Kershaw return to the Rawtenstall side in place of Ben Excell and Dean O’Brien.

New professional Nilantha Cooray may arrive in time for the game – but a sub-pro is more likely.

League leaders Lowerhouse are unchanged for the trip to Bacup Road and will look to drive their advantage home.

Key Man: Jonathan Finch. Verdict: Lowerhouse.