POSITIVE thinking has been the key to table topping Rishton's early season success.

That's the verdict of new captain Andy Bartley after his side opened up a 14 point gap at the top of the Lancashire League table.

"Our professional Saeed (Anwar) is a really positive character, he is so easy to play cricket with and he makes things seem easy," said the skipper.

"Before every game he will tell us we can win it, that we haven't to get too tied down, that we have got to be confident and trust our ability and we have to back ourselves.

"He always says if we can 200 on the board we can win most matches and he has had a big influence. If Saeed doesn't take wickets he performs with the bat and vice versa."

But while the Pakistan all-rounder has made an impact, Bartley has praised the work of the entire team.

"Everyone seems to be chipping in at the moment.

"We lost some big players in the winter but the others have stepped up to fill the gaps and chipped in with runs and wickets.

"The bowlers have done really well with Garth Wyse, John Seedle and Scott Greaves all playing ther part. They all work well with Saeed. But, although it has been a great start, we are not getting carried away.

"Only a third of the season has gone and we are really something of a surprise package so far. The hard work is still to come.

"Other teams will be wondering if we can keep it going and we have two huge games this weekend as we have champions Burnley and East Lancs.

"They are two big matches against two good sides and theywill indicate how far we can go."

Bartley, 31, only took over as captain from ex-Australian Test player Peter Sleep - who joined Great Harwood - at the start of the season but says the good run of form isn't down to his instructions.

"We did win a few when I was stand-in captain last season but it isn't down to me!" he said.

"It is easy when you are winning to be captain and the team virtually runs itself. Everyone knows their jobs and we have just to keep it going now."

He admits, though, there is some excitement mounting at Blackburn Road as they lead the way in the hunt for their first championship since 1996.

"We are getting a few more fans watching us now and people are starting to get a bit more excited," said the skipper. "But I will be making sure everyone's feet stay on the ground as it is still very early in the season."

While the team are on a high, the only blip so far has been their early exit in the Worsley Cup at the hands of Burnley.

"We just didn't perform on the day - it was one of those days and Burnley did well," said Bartley.

"We would be nice if that was our one and only bad game out of the way but we just have to hope we can carry on."

Rishton though will be bouyed after securing a 48-run victory over Bacup last weekend.

Paid man Saeed Anwar used his positive thinking to top score with 65 to take his runs to 559 for the season.

Skipper Bartley ably supported him with 36 and a late 39 by Sam Hacking took Rishton's tally to 224-8.

Despite an unbeaten 107 from Bacup pro Chris Harris - who had earlier taken six wickets - Garth Wyse, Anwar and Seedle took three wickets apiece to give Rishton a clear lead at the top of the table.

CHURCH were celebrating only their second league win of the campaign with a two wicket victory over Colne, whose paid man Greg Mail had gone into the game hoping to see off his former club.

However Mail was out for just nine as his opposite number Ruven Peiris took his wicket and finished on 5-49 to restrict the visitors to 150.

Peiris then got going with the bat with his 61 providing the backbone for the win. A late 28 from Sam Holt, supported by Phil Gilrane, secured a much-needed win for the second from bottom side. They face East Lancs and Accrington over the weekend.

ENFIELD dropped to third in the table after a five wicket loss to Nelson. Paid man Brandon Hiini top scored with 44 as Enfield could only make 130 and they couldn't stop the Nelson attack.

They will be looking to keep pace with the leaders when they take on Rawtenstall and Todmorden this weekend.

ACCRINGTON remain rooted to the foot of the table despite their immediate future being secured off the field after help was promised to the cash strapped club in their extraordinary general meeting last week.

Brian Heywood's 23 was their top score as they made just 92 with Todmorden reaching the score with the loss of just one wicket.

Matt Wilson's side travel to Bacup tomorrow and have a local derby with Church on Sunday as they look to get some more points on the board.

  • THE 20/20 competition continues tonight (Friday) with Enfield looking to make it a hat-trick of Group A wins at Accrington while Rishton visit Church. Start 6.15pm.