BACUP captain John Chapman believes the SponsorBank Lancashire League is theirs to lose.

But he admitted his side must overcome their end-of-season nerves if they are to get their hands on the silverware.

Out in front Bacup beat Colne by two wickets in an incredible match at the weekend.

And Chapman is hoping they can stay there with just two matches left.

He said: "We've got two games to go and it's very much in our own hands.

"We've started to show a little bit of nerves in the last couple of games but we've just got to calm things down a bit. We've got one hand on the trophy but we can't think about that.

"We've not been playing like we should be, we need to tighten up and get back to basics.

"We showed a lot of nerves against Colne at the weekend and when our professional went out we seemed to panic until Scott Thompson stepped up."

With eight runs needed from the last three balls, 18-year-old Thompson managed two runs and a boundary, before driving in the last two runs needed off the last ball.

That prompted unbelievable scenes of joy as the teenager was mobbed by team-mates.

Chapman said it was the spirit in the team that has seen them through a number of testing moments.

He said: "Without a doubt, at the end of the day, that's what won us the game.

"Our team spirit throughout the whole season has been excellent."

And he is now hoping that team spirit can see his side topple title-chasing Lowerhouse this weekend in a match that he believed could well seal the trophy for Bacup, who are currently eight points ahead of the pack.

He added: "This is a massive game, they are a top-class side, and even though Burnley are in second place ahead of Lowerhouse I think this could very well decide the title.

"Burnley have a couple of tough games against Rawtenstall and Haslingden and I'm sure they won't do them any favours.

"We were looking at the fixtures on Sunday and saying if this happens or that happens we'll be so many points clear but I think we've just got to stop thinking about it.

"We've got to concentrate on our cricket and try to relax and enjoy the games."