BAXENDEN have fought off competition from other leagues to sign pro Baber Naeem on a two-year deal.

Some Lancashire League, Central Lancashire League and Bolton League teams were all eyeing up the prolific all-rounder in the hope of prising him away from Back Lane.

 But chairman John Irwin and co have this week persuaded the Pakistan star to sign his future to Bash.

 Naeem passed 1000 league runs for the season last Saturday in their abandoned match with Blackburn Northern and he is closing in on 70 league wickets for the campaign.

 And Baxenden, having won the Ramsbottom Cup and with six games to go in the league, could clinch the league title this weekend if they win both their games and Read don't pick up a point. They are also in the final of the Twenty20 competition when they face Great Harwood at home on Monday August 31..

 "We are really happy," said chairman John Irwin. "I think it will settle hBaber more that he has a two year deal and he has settled here.

"Other clubs have shown interest in him but he has chosen to stay here and that's good for us. He is a good lad and he loves the club.

"To already have 1000 runs and to have around 90 wickets in all competitions shows how well he has done and we could win three trophies."

 The chairman admits it has been a great season so far as they won the Ramsbottom Cup for the first time in it's current format – the competition has been running since 1965 – and are 43 points clear at the top of the table.

"It has been enjoyable," he said. "We took four coach loads to Settle for the Ramsbottom Cup final and everyone is enjoying the season.

"We have been 'bridesmaids' so many times before, finishing runners-up or just missing out and hopefully we can do it this year.

"There is a fine line between success and failure and luckily for us, we seem to be going well this season.

"Whatever happens, we have already booked an after-season trip to Portugal in September!"

And by then they hope to have at least two trophies in the Back Lane cabinet – and  they have Naeem as they defend their titles next season.