BIG hitting Lou Vincent makes a welcome reappearance in the area tomorrow as the new Lancashire League season bursts into life.

And all eyes will be on West End as Church play host to Rawtenstall, who have hired the Kiwi as their own paid man Jandre Coetzee is not in the UK yet.

The game should have been even more explosive with Church's Pakistani star Saeed Anwar due to face Vincent and company.

But he has not arrived in time and Church instead field Barnoldswick pro Imran Khalid.

That takes a little shine off the West End showdown but both camps are looking forward to the first game of the new season as they bid to improve on last term.

“We are a little bit disappointed that when you sign a pro in October his paperwork isn’t sorted out by the start of the season,” said Rawtenstall captain and wicketkeeper Vinny Hanson.

“But we know all about Lou and what he can do – and he is a real replacement.”

Church’s vice-captain Levi Wolfenden is also relishing the clash and is hoping his men can go one step further than last year when they were beaten Worsley Cup finalists.

“We don’t want that feeling again,” said the talented 18-year-old.

“We are all excited about the season."

Of Anwar, who will arrive this week, Wolfenden added: "He is an excellent player as his record shows.

“You can be sat on 70-3 from 20 overs and then he can explode and you are suddenly 120-3 from 25.

“It gives everyone that boost and we are all ready.”

Rawtenstall are missing talismanic all-rounder Andrew Payne, who suffered a stress fracture of the back in the winter.

“He is still suffering discomfort when it is cold and damp,” added Hanson.

“But we have brought some new faces in and are raring to go.”