RISHTON skipper Jimmy Bibby is expecting a tough season at Blackburn Road – but is hoping his young players can come of age in 2012 as they get used to the trials and tribulations of the Lancashire League.

Rishton lost 10 players over the winter and Bibby is fully aware that the campaign could be a struggle – but he knows that in the cut and thrust of a season anything can happen.

“Yes, it is going to be another difficult season for us,” admitted the 39-year-old.

“It is tough because for one reason or another we had a lot of players leave the club over the winter and we have a small first team squad.

“But that said we have 16 people who have played first team cricket and hopefully they can step up with the experience.”

Aside from Bibby, the other man with real experience is veteran batsman Craig Smith. Smith only managed four games last season as Rishton finished second from bottom and Bibby added: “We need Craig and I am glad he is playing on.

“He has the experience and can help people through.”

Bibby’s focus is very much on the future development of Rishton and he said: “Our inability to attract new players remains a stumbling block which we will have to seek to overcome as a club moving forward.

“But we remain hopeful we can build on the success which we had towards the end of last season. We finished the campaign well and if we can become more competitive I am sure we can improve on last term.”

The wet start to the season has left Rishton kicking their heels after their opening day clash at Nelson and Sunday’s home game with Colne fell victim to the weather.

That means they are still waiting to unleash Australian professional Daniel Salpietro on the league.

The off-spinning all-rounder could be a star of the season and two years ago became only the second player in the history of the Bolton Association to score 1,000 runs and take 100 wickets in a season.

In doing so he followed in the footsteps of Pakistan Test ace Javed Miandad, who achieved the superb double for Daisy Hill in 1976.

“It doesn’t matter where you play or in what league, that is some achievement,” added Bibby, left. “And we are all looking to playing with him.”