AUSTRALIAN import Ryan Harris has finally found the form he hopes will lift Lowerhouse up the Lancashire League.

Harris made a slow start to his first season in England, but has accelerated into top gear in the past two games.

His knock of 85 against Ramsbottom gave lowly Lowerhouse their first win of the season, then he cracked his maiden century last Sunday, finishing on 111 not out as they saw off Todmorden.

And according to Harris, his upsurge in form is down to one thing - opening the batting.

He said: "I was coming in at number four at first but since I've been opening I've been more successful.

"I don't open the batting back home in Australia but when you're playing 50 over games every week you need time to come in, see the ball and build an innings.

"Batting at four you have to get the tempo going straight away, which is tough on these wickets. But if you're in early enough you get the pace of the wicket and dictate the game, which is what I like doing."

Having lifted the burden of not posting a big score in his first two innings, Harris now hopes he and his team mates can dust off the early season cobwebs.

Their Lancashire League campaign continues tomorrow when Lowerhouse host high-flying Rawtenstall.

Harris said: "It's taken me a while to get acclimatised and I'm still not bowling as well as I'd like to.

"We didn't find the right formula at first but we're all starting to get more confidence after these two wins."

Like every professional in the league, Harris's performances will rub off on his team mates, so the onus is on him to lead by example.

But despite his previous performances in South Australia, where he won the Bradman medal for being the outstanding grade cricketer, Harris admits the pressure can often get to him at Liverpool Road.

He added: "There's not as much pressure here as back home. It's still a good standard but the emphasis isn't as much on winning.

"But there's still pressure on me to score runs and take wickets, and maybe that's been lifted a bit now I've scored that 100.

"I'm enjoying it but I needed a big score to help us win the game and put a bit more faith in myself because the club have put so much faith in me.

"Last year Lowerhouse had Jacques Rudolph and he scored over 1,000 runs so I hope I can perform as well as he did to repay that faith."

It was former Enfield pro Damien Fleming that suggested the switch to East Lancashire to Harris, and he's glad he listened to his friend's advice, despite the typical teething problems.

"The weather was a bit cold to start with up here but we're used to that now," said the 24-year-old.

"I haven't seen much of the area but I'm impressed with what I have seen. The club has been good to me and my girlfriend, they've looked after us and given us everything we need so we're very happy here, it's home.

"Damien Fleming recommended the move to me as this league is seen as one of the strongest back home.

"It's a good chance to get some practice and enjoy some cricket ahead of the Australian season, but it's even better that the standard is so good."