NEW Church professional Mike Watkinson has slipped comfortably into his new dual role -- almost literally.

The Lancashire stalwart is combining his role as Second XI coach at Old Trafford with the paid duties at West End.

But the hardest part of Watkinson's first few games, which has seen Church take a surprise lead in the Transco Lancashire League, has been finding his feet on the soggy early season pitches.

He said: "We are adapting to the conditions as best we can.

"The games have gone ahead when we would not have considered playing first class cricket for days.

"But it's difficult to adapt as there are no dry footholds.

"That's even when I'm bowling spin off a five-yard run-up which has been cut down to two yards."

Church were off to a flyer on the opening day of the season, bowling Nelson out for just 68.

Then last Sunday, Rawtenstall were on the receiving end in amassing only 79.

So far, only Burnley have managed to deal with the Church attack when falling 11 runs short of their 178 target.

Watkinson has picked up 11 wickets in the process, as well as weighing in with 69 against Burnley.

Typically, though, he is not getting carried away.

"I didn't have any pre-judged ideas when I came to Church.

"I knew the team were keen and enthusiastic and had very good young players.

"But it's been difficult to have a good look at those youngsters so far because, even though we've won three games, we've not played in any dry conditions.

"The outfields have been flooded and wickets sticky.

"I'm under no illusions that there are going to be some very difficult games.

"So far we've managed to get the opposition professionals out reasonably cheaply and I know there are some good professionals in the league."

Watkinson's first major test is likely to arrive at Colne tomorrow when the week's good weather could play into the hands of prolific batsman Ben Johnson.

Today, his Church side hosted Enfield and another Aussie Dave Saker.

Sunday fixtures: Colne v Church, Enfield v Nelson, Lowerhouse v Haslingden, Ramsbottom v Burnley, Rawtenstall v East Lancs, Rishton v Bacup, Todmorden v Accrington.