Lancashire League Saturday preview

4:00pm Friday 27th June 2008

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RAWTENSTALL skipper Andy Payne insists beating bogey teams is just as important as beating title rivals if they are to win the championship.

The leaders go to Todmorden tomorrow looking to end a dismal record at Centre Vale — a week after winning at Bacup for the first time in 10 years.

“A couple of weeks ago, we did the double over Nelson who were undefeated and leading the table at the time,” said Payne who names an unchanged team.

“But it is no good winning those games if you slip up at the places where you often struggle.

“That is why our win at Bacup was so special. Our record at Todmorden is not as bad but it is a place where we never seem to do that well.

“But these are the type of games you need to win if you are going to win league titles.”

Professional Nathan McCullum will be looking to break the half-century mark for wickets after claiming 47 this season already.

COLNE skipper Matt Wilson is hoping professional Blake Snijman signs off in style at Accrington tomorrow.

The Horsfield paid man has been called up by South Africa for the month-long Emerging Players tour to Australia where they will also play against India.

“It would be great for Blake so sign off with a big knock,” said Matt.

“He hasn’t had the best of luck with the bat so far but he is an absolute legend and we’ll miss him.”

Matt Constable and Colin Varley are in for Adam Holt and Justin Nutter.

LOWERHOUSE - fresh from victory over Colne last weekend thanks to Jon Finch’s seven-wicket haul - are without Chris Benbow, Jon Finch and Jonny Russell for the home clash against East Lancs.

They are replaced by Scott Hope, Paddy Martin and Matthew Marquis.

BACUP, with only two wins this season, make two changes to the side which lost to Rawtenstall last weekend. Adam Highley and Andrew Spenser come in for the home game against Burnley.

BURNLEY captain Qasim Ali has dubbed his side’s clash a “12-pointer” as both teams look to climb out of the bottom three.

The Turf Moor outfit are looking forward to a Worsley Cup semi-final clash against Accrington on Sunday, but Ali insists his team need to concentrate on league matters first.

“It’s a massive game for us and Bacup, a 12-pointer,” said Ali.

“We are both fighting and scrapping to get up the table.

“It’s not nice being near the bottom of the table – there’s nothing worse.

“Hopefully, we can get that win.”