HASLINGDEN are on the verge of losing professional Andrew McDonald for a second time.

The Australian, who missed out on joining the club at the start of last season because of work permit problems, has two weeks to prove his fitness.

He has missed every one of Haslingden's Lancashire League fixtures since the first weekend because of a persistent back problem which could cut short his season.

Haslingden cricket chairman Stuart Taylor said: "He's got until June 1 to prove his fitness and after that we'll have to look elsewhere because he'll probably have to go home.

"It's a problem getting sub pros in because we need a front-line bowler. Batsmen are getting centuries against us and we're struggling to get top order batsmen out."

Mike Ingham, who has also had a back injury, returns to the side to face Enfield at home tomorrow, while former Rishton pro Clinton Perren arrives from Littleborough to stand in for McDonald.

ENFIELD are almost back to full strength following a number of first team absences due to holidays and football commitments as they bid to bounce back from last Sunday's derby defeat at Church.

"We are hoping to get a stronger side out and put some runs on the board tomorrow," said captain Mas Ahmed.

Leaders LOWERHOUSE are at full strength as they face champions East Lancs at Liverpool Road.

All-rounder Chris Benbow returns to the side, which is unbeaten this season.

EAST LANCS skipper Paul Kelly believes it's a 'must win' game for his side if they are to launch a genuine push for a second successive title.

"Lowerhouse are a good all-round side and we're a bit worried, to be honest.

"But if we are going to do anything in the league then we've got to go there and get something."

CHURCH bowler Craig Fergusson has left the club to join Central Lancashire League side Stand following a disagreement.

Club representative Jack Houldsworth said: "It's a great shame because he has been with us since he was a kid."

Fergusson is replaced by Sam Holt for tomorrow's trip to Nelson, where Andrew Pilkington is also in line to make his debut and become the fourth generation of the family, dating back to the 1920s, to play for Church. Pilkington replaces Andrew Bentley for the weekend games.

NELSON lost their first home game of the season against leaders Lowerhouse last weekend and will be looking to get their title push back on track.

BURNLEY captain Ben Law is looking for a change of fortunes to finally get their season up and running.

The Turf Moor side travel to Bacup with just one win in their opening six league games and Law said: "We don't deserve to be down where we are."

Wicketkeeper Andy Beet returns to the squad after competing in a half-marathon last weekend.

Nick Cronshaw steps up from the second team as BACUP - 15 points adrift of Lowerhouse in second place - look to get back to winning ways against Burnley. He replaces Andrew Spencer.

TODMORDEN scored a derby success over Bacup last Sunday and will be looking to professional Gyanendra Pandey, back in the runs with an unbeaten 61 in that clash, to inspire another success as they take on Colne at Centre Vale.

RAWTENSTALL will be without all-rounder Andrew Clough as they look to get back to winning ways.

Clough twisted an ankle on duty last weekend and will be replaced by Paul Collis.

RAMSBOTTOM go to Rishton looking for their fifth successive win, but are still without injured pro Murali Kartik.

Alex Bell is also out, being replaced by Simon Read, but Brian Taylor returns.

RISHTON pro James Franklin will aim to continue where he left off last weekend against Haslingden, when he scored a superb ton in his side's high scoring defeat.

ACCRINGTON and COLNE do not play tomorrow as they managed to complete their fixture on the first day of the season while the rest were rained off.