RED-hot title favourites Ramsbottom and well-fancied East Lancashire lock horns tomorrow as the Lancashire League season marches into May.

The two tipped sides had polar opposites of starts last weekend and both have had professional problems ahead of tomorrow’s Alexandra Meadows clash.

But the game still sees the league’s top batting side clash against the best bowlers – and should be a cracker.

Ramsbottom were big winners over Nelson on the opening day, while East Lancs were shocked by Burnley at Turf Moor.

That defeat added to a bad week for Mark Bolton’s men, who have lost their brilliant professional Brendan Nash to a hastily-arranged West Indies A tour to Bangladesh. But Ramsbottom managed to get a sub pro at the 11th hour – and will field ex-Pakistani Test fast bowler Ata Ul Rehman.

The pace man was banned from cricket in 2000 after it was found that he had been dealings with bookmakers but that ban was lifted in 2006.

“I won’t tell any lies, losing Brendan is a massive blow,” said East Lancs’ skipper Mark Bolton. “We didn’t see it coming and Brendan didn’t see it coming and it is a major disappointment.

“And we were got off to a bad start last weekend. The weather didn’t help us but we are not making excuses, we were not good enough at Burnley and we have to do better.

“Yes, it’s a tough game against Rammy. Everyone seems to tip them for the title and they are a good team but we will give it a good go.”

East Lancs are closing in on an Australian fast bowler to stand in for Nash until his return to Blackburn in July but face a race against time to find a sub-pro for tomorrow.

Ramsbottom skipper Jon Fielding added: “I am looking forward to playing there. I am friends with Mark and I have played for East Lancs quite a lot over the years but Ramsbottom is my team. I was in the side that won the title in 1992 – and I want some silverware again this time around.”

Ramsbottom’s ex-East Lancs wicketkeeper Andy Caunce makes his first return to Alexandra Meadows, while Bolton recalls pace ace Sid Patel to his team following illness.

There is a good game at Liverpool Road between two sides who won on the opening day as Lowerhouse and Todmorden lock horns.

Both teams fielded sub-professionals last weekend but Lowerhouse’s Aaron Heal and Tod’s David Weise are due to land today in time for the games.

Steve Brunt takes his Burnley side to Bacup, while Rawtenstall are likely to field a sub-pro for their game at Church as they await the arrival of paid man Navid Arif.

Colne were beaten by Haslingden on the opening day but will look a totally different proposition at The Horsfield as they unleash the pace of professional Anwar Ali on Enfield.

Reigning champions Accrington face Nelson at Thorneyholme Road.

The Seedhillites will field ex Enfield professional Gary Brent.

TOMORROW’S GAMES: Accrington v Nelson, Bacup v Burnley, Church v Rawtenstall, Colne v Enfield, East Lancs v Ramsbottom, Haslingden v Rishton, Lowerhouse v Todmorden