BILLY Stelling goes gunning for the big boys this weekend with the words: bonus points mean prizes, ringing in his ears.

For the powerful South African all-rounder, who blasted East Lancashire into the top three of the table last weekend, knows that his side will have to bowl sides out if they are to catch leaders Rishton.

Prior to Sunday's top-of-the-table clash at second placed Ramsbottom, the 27-year-old right armer said: "Rishton have won only one more game than us, but are eights points ahead because they have bowled their opponents out on more occasions and picked up the bonus points.

"That is something we have to aim for to stand any chance of winning the league. I believe there are five or six teams who could win it and it will go right down to the wire. But the bonus points will be a major factor."

Ironically it was a maximum points win over Rishton - with Stelling getting his best figures of the season with eight for 38 - that put them under the Lancashire League spotlight.

"I was delighted with mine and the team's performance. Rishton are on a roll at the moment and after restricting us to 121, the betting money must have been on them. But we stuck to our task and didn't let them settle."

While Stelling's 14 wicket haul on the weekend was much to do with their climb from seventh to third place, the player who can play for either Holland or South Africa is hoping for a little bit more action with the bat.

"I'm the first to say I haven't performed with the bat," admitted Stelling. "And I won't be reaching my target this season. But it is something I am working on and hope to improve before the season is out."

However if he continues to rattle up the bonus points then there won't be too much complaining. FIXTURES: Colne v Burnley, Enfield v Church, Lowerhouse v Nelson, Ramsbottom v East Lancs, Rawtenstall v Accrington, Rishton v Haslingden, Todmorden v Bacup.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.