LOWERHOUSE have signed Australian Aaron O'Brien as their new professional.

The capture ends a six-week search for chairman David Wren after Aussie Jon Moss failed to join the club as paid-man at the 11th hour.

O'Brien, 25, has been a regular for New South Wales since 2001.

The left-handed batsman averages 23 in first class cricket and 36 in one-day matches. He is also a slow, left-arm bowler.

Wren said: "We are pleased to have signed Aaron. It has been a difficult start to the season for us with Jon Moss pulling out.

"Ryan Harris did well for us as sub-pro of the the first five matches, but it's nice to have a full-time professional now."

O'Brien is due to arrive at Lowerhouse next Friday in time for the game at Bacup on Saturday.

Tahir Maqsood, from Edgeworth, steps in as sub pro tomorrow for the home game against RISHTON.

Wren added: "We are looking to build on the progress we have made over the last couple of years, and to be a consistently successful side.

"We expect Aaron to make a significant contribution in matches, and to work with the young players in training."

Early pacesetters EAST LANCS can strengthen their position at the top of the table with a victory at home to Burnley tomorrow.

Mark Bolton's side have made a blistering start to the season, winning four of their opening five matches to climb to the top of the table, and their form at Alexandra Meadows has been particularly impressive so far.

"If we can post a total of 180 or 190 at home then we feel we are in with a decent chance of winning, particularly on these damp wickets, because it suits our bowling attack," said Bolton.

Keith Webb is out of Ramsbottom's derby match with Rawtenstall tomorrow.

The experienced middle order batsman will be replaced in the line-up by youngster Martin Copper, who can also bowl off-spin.

Rams captain Simon Read said: "Martin is a good player, he's scored over 200 runs this season and he's been doing well."

RAWTENSTALL are looking to make it three wins on the bounce.

Skipper Andrew Payne said: "Our professional (Sanjay Bangar) has finally arrived which has been a big help. We will be looking to carry this momentum in to the weekend."

Rawtenstall are unchanged from the side that beat Colne last Saturday.

COLNE entertain high-flying Enfield and manager Gary Hunt says he has not been surprised by their blistering start.

He said: "They have a good balance throughout the side and bat deep. The team showed great promise last season.

"But our top order is batting well and our professional has settled in so it should be a good game."

Matthew Clarke returns from injury and replaces Aron Pollard.

HASLINGDEN are sweating on the fitness of all-rounder Stuart Catterall ahead of a double-header against title hopefuls Bacup.

Catterall turned his ankle in the field against Todmorden last weekend and hasn't trained all week.

Captain Mike Ingham, who is currently deputising as wicket-keeper in the absence of Joey Marcroft through injury, said: "It's a massive blow for us, we'll miss his batting and bowling."

Barry Knowles is standing by to replace Catterall.

NELSON have moved to fill the gap in their paid ranks by employing South African batsman Henry Davids on a short-term contract.

The 27-year-old, who plays for Cape Cobras in domestic cricket, will arrive tonight to play for the Seedhill side at Accrington as a replacement for the injured New Zealand international Craig McMillan.

McMillan, who helped Nelson lift the Worlsey Cup last season, tore a stomach muscle in the recent World Cup.

Nelson skipper Mike Bradley said: "Henry is a quality player and we're hoping he can do a good job for us."

In the amateur ranks, Richard Meade will undergo a late fitness test and should come in with Neil Thompson also returning in place of Andy Aitken and Garry Grimshaw.

Todmorden skipper Jon Henderson is hoping some good weather will help them to get some cricket and some points ahead of their game at Church tomorrow.

Todmorden had Haslingden on the ropes last Saturday and looked to be in control against Lowerhouse on Sunday only for the rain to get the better of things.

But Henderson said: "We've played some good cricket so far and the rain has hurt us, so we're hoping the sun will shine on us this weekend."

Accrington v Nelson Colne v Enfield East Lancs v Burnley Haslingden v Bacup Lowerhouse v Rishton Rawtenstall v Ramsbottom Todmorden v Church