LOWERHOUSE expect to find out within the next few days whether professional Jon Kent will be able to play for them again this season.

The South African has been out of action for over a month with a tendon injury in his hip which prevents him from bowling.

He has been undergoing treatment and rest in an effort to clear up the problem. And while the Transco Lancashire League club hope to have him back in action, they will look elsewhere if the Kwa-Zula-Natal all-rounder isn't close to a return to full fitness.

Club chairman David Wren confirmed: "He's having more treatment today and we're going to make a decision over the next few days depending on what he tells me and if he passes his fitness test or not.

"We will definitely have a substitute for this weekend and then we'll either get him back on the field or have substitutes for the rest of the season."

Joe Scuderi, Graeme Lloyd and former East Lancashire professional Claude Henderson have all played as substitutes in recent weeks as the Burnley club has climbed into mid-table.

However, Lowerhouse are having to spread their net further this weekend with none of the trio available for Sunday's visit of Colne.

"We have tried to get class players but Claude is unavailable on Sunday and Lancashire have games in Surrey so I'm having to try elsewhere," Wren confirmed.

Ramsbottom's run of home ties in the cup competitions has come to an end with Bacup earning the right to stage the Worsley Cup final.

The Transco Lancashire League champions were drawn first out of the bag last night so the final on Sunday, August 5 will be played at Lanehead.

And in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph 2nd Eleven Cup final on July 28, Ramsbottom will also be away, this time to Rishton.