THE Lancashire League’s form teams take centre stage tomorrow in the second round of the Worsley Cup – and the West End clash of Lowerhouse and Nelson promises fireworks.

The teams also meet tonight in the Twenty20 competition but tomorrow’s tie could well be a classic.

Lowerhouse lost their first game of the season but since then have swept all before them with six league wins on the spin plus last weekend’s Worsley Cup triumph at holders Colne.

Nelson’s start to the campaign was a shocker but they are now up and running and look a threat for anyone with former Clitheroe skipper Peter Dibb settling into life at Seedhill.

The game takes on added significance for the House as they look to pay tribute to long serving former batsman and groundsman Phil Astin, who died suddenly this week.

“We will miss Phil immen-sely,” said chairman and his former team-mate Stan Heaton.

“Phil was a good team player and importantly a good cricketer.

“He played against some of the best cricketers in the Lancashire League and often scored runs past them.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I intend to do something to honour his memory.

“We cannot overstate the importance Phil’s work at the club meant to us. We are all very upset and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.”

Haslingden entertain Church in an attractive tie, while Ramsbottom play host to Enfield at Acre Bottom.

The other game sees Rishton without their skipper Jimmy Bibby at Todmorden.

Bibby misses the tie as he gets married tomorrow.

They are also without Mo Patel, who has suffered a broken wrist, while former Accrington paid man Roy Silva stands in for the departed Cameron Delport.

HASLINGDEN v CHURCH

Haslingden stick with the same side that has won six out of eight league and cup games so far this season as they look for further progress in the Worsley Cup.

Church skipper Craig Fergusson returns to the side after missing last weekend and his presence means his side takes on a strong appearance with professional Saeed Anwar set to his top form.

Key Man: Graham Knowles.

Verdict: Church.

LOWERHOUSE v NELSON

League form sides Lowerhouse and Nelson meet at Liverpool Road in the pick of the second round ties.

Both sides are at full strength for the game with Lowerhouse star all-rounder Jonathan Finch playing against the side where he started his Lancashire League career.

Richard Meade is fit after an injury scare last weekend.

Key Man: Jonathan Finch.

Verdict: Nelson.

RAMSBOTTOM v ENFIELD

Enfield are in form going into the tough trip to last year’s beaten finalists and have been boosted by the return to the side of skipper Adam Bracewell.

Ramsbottom have lost twice this season but are boosted by the earlier than anticipated return from injury of David Bell, who damaged a finger last weekend.

Key Man: Jonathan Fielding.

Verdict: Ramsbottom.

TODMORDEN v RISHTON

Todmorden are in glorious form with new captain Andrew Sutcliffe beginning his reign with three successive eight-wicket wins. They are at full strength.

Steve Juliff leads Rishton in their second round tie at Todmorden as regular skipper Jimmy Bibby gets married.

Former Accrington pro Roy Silva stands in after Cameron Delport was forced to return home with a broken finger while Mo Patel is also out with a broken wrist.

Key Man: Simon Newbitt.

Verdict: Todmorden.