Worsley Cup

KEITH Arthurton's efforts to get his game in order after a disastrous last World Cup is paying dividends for both the player and Rawtenstall.

And a continuation of his remarkable run of form could be crucial to Rawtenstall's prospects of advancing past the first round of the Jennings Worsley Cup at Todmorden tomorrow as his side entered the weekend looking for their first win of the season.

In three knocks in the Lancashire League Arthurton has made 103 not out, 93 and 14 following a Caribbean season which saw him average 136 in the one-day competition with a record aggregate of runs.

The Leeward Islander also averaged over 50 in the four-day President's Cup (formerly the Red Stripe Cup) with a top score of 190 against Jamaica in Nevis and earned a recall to the West Indies' one-day side against England.

Arthurton's run feast follows a conscious decision to iron out some flaws in his batting and two summers with High Wycombe have also helped him back onto an upward curve.

"In the last two years I have been doing very well and working on my batting.

"I have been through some dark clouds and in the last World Cup I had a dismal performance so wanted to prove them (the critics) wrong," revealed Arthurton. "It's something I did myself. I think I have enough experience to work on my own game but I have talked to one or two players like Viv Richards and Richie Richardson just to get their views."

The effect has been dramatic enough to revive the middle order batsman's international career and raise hopes of a trip to the World Cup in England next summer to erase the bad memories of the last tournament in India and Pakistan.

He added: "I am looking forward to getting into the team for the World Cup. We should be touring South Africa in November and I am hoping to get in the squad which would be nice."

In the short-term Arthurton will be looking to haul Rawtenstall up the league table, starting at his former club Ramsbottom today, and help them get the better of Todmorden at Centre Vale tomorrow.

"They are important games, especially the game in the knock-out competition," said Arthurton whose prolific start to the campaign has naturally delighted the Rawtenstall officials.

"It's always nice when you can get a good start in any competition because it boosts confidence," added the left-hander and slow left arm bowler who will come up against fellow West Indian Vasbert Drakes tomorrow.

Drakes is in good nick himself, having made a half-century and claimed five wickets to help the Yorkshire club win their first game of the season against Bacup last Sunday.

Fixtures: Burnley v Lowerhouse; Church v Nelson; Colne v Accrington; Enfield v Bacup; Haslingden v Rishton; Todmorden v Rawtenstall. East Lancs and Ramsbottom have byes.

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