RUDRA Singh's fitness is again in the balance as Burnley prepare a bid for revenge in tomorrow's Marsden BS Lancashire Cricket League clash with Enfield at Turf Moor.

But Burnley chairman Peter Lawson revealed that if the popular professional failed to make it, the club were trying to capture a top name as substitute.

Singh, he said, was still a doubtful starter, even though the all-rounder has been having intensive treatment from next-door neighbours Burnley FC.

The Indian star has been missed in the last few matches.

And, ironically, Singh's injury wasn't even sustained in a first-team game.

He was the senior player with the under-18s when he collided with a team-mate and went over on his ankle.

"It happened going for a straightforward catch. He's such an enthusiastic player, he was determined to get there first," said Mr Lawson.

"We have missed him. One of the problems of having substitute professionals is that they don't know the capabilities of the team."

Enfield's victory over Burnley at Dill Hall Lane last Saturday saw them leapfrog into second place and they have had a good start to the season with only one defeat from their opening five matches.

Professional Franklyn Rose made a big contribution against Burnley, with both bat and ball, and Enfield need maximum points, not only to try to narrow the gap at the top but also to keep the Turf Moor side at bay.

Behind Lowerhouse, it's very tight with only five points between Enfield, lying second, and ninth-placed Burnley.

Tomorrow's games are the return matches from last Saturday and leaders Lowerhouse will be looking to make it six of the best by completing a double over Ramsbottom.

But it will be no easy task at Acre Bottom where New Zealand all-rounder Chris Harris will now be fully rested and raring to go after his dramatic arrival for last Sunday's cup win.

Accrington's search for their first point continues against Haslingden at Thorneyholme Road.

It's never an easy fixture but Accrington will take heart from the fact that they did top 200 against their opponents last weekend, with South African Chad Grainger scoring a sparkling 94.

Todmorden's batsmen, blitzed by Allan Donald, have another chance to get it right against Rishton at Centre Vale.

Tomorrow's games: Accrington v Haslingden, Burnley v Enfield, East Lancs v Colne, Nelson v Bacup, Ramsbottom v Lowerhouse, Rawtenstall v Church, Todmorden v Rishton.

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