AT the time this article was written there seemed more chance of putting a man on the moon than cricket being played in the Lake Garage Central Lancashire League this

weekend.

Correct, there have been men on the moon, but that was a long time ago, and it seems a long time since any cricket was played locally.

The first weekend of play was "postponed" due to bad weather, and last weekend was hit again, although one result was achieved over in the sunny climes of Monton and Weaste.

As this line hits the screen the sky is black, there is a chill in the air, and here it comes - more rain.

And the forecast is bad for the weekend.

But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining, and after last

summer’s wishy-washy season clubs could well do with a bit of

silver lining their pockets.

Some of this weekend’s fixtures look tasty to say the least, so let’s hope the sun shines and the

spectators flock in for a first real taste of spring.

Milnrow are the only local side at home today.

The new boys - Tripathi, Bebb, and Frazer are all named to play, but overseas amateur Stephen John, who has been given clearance by the league to turn out this season after ending his professional career, is still not available.

They entertain a Clifton side which, by all accounts, bears little resemblance to that of last season, with some players having moved on to pastures new.

Littleborough travel to play the only winners of the current campaign Monton and Weaste who now have Australian Trent Scott as captain. He was their overseas man a couple of seasons ago and played as a professional for Stand last

season.

Norden go on the road to face Radcliffe and include former Woodbank opener Steve Loster in the team.

Also named is former Rochdale player Phil Docker. This could be a little confusing to some as there is also Peter Decker in the eleven.

Rochdale also travel, to face Unsworth, one of the few clubs with the same professional as last season.

Wayne Madsen, who certainly impressed last term, has been joined by South African overseas amateur Darren Love.

Rochdale name young Scott Butterworth in their team.

Tomorrow sees three at home and one away.

Littleborough play host to Crompton, Rochdale entertain Walsden, and Norden meet Middleton at Woodhouse Lane with Phil Collinson coming into

contention for selection after

missing today.

All three visiting teams have new professionals and new

overseas amateurs, the latest to arrive being Matt Currin who has joined professional Werner Coetsee at Middleton.

Milnrow go over to Heywood.

Today

Crompton v Ashton; Middleton v Oldham; Milnrow v Clifton; Monton and Weaste v Littleborough; Radcliffe v Norden; Unsworth v Rochdale; Walsden v Royton; Werneth v Heywood.

Tomorrow

Ashton v Monton and Weaste; Clifton v Werneth; Heywood v Milnrow; Littleborough v Crompton; Norden v Middleton; Oldham v Radcliffe; Rochdale v Walsden; Royton v Unsworth.