IT IS no more Mr Nice Guy for Alviro Petersen as he has laid down the law at Enfield in his bid to bring some silverware to the club this season.

The Dill Hall Lane side are the surprise package in the new campaign topping the league, fighting for four trophies and they haven't yet suffered a defeat.

Anyone who thinks they may not stay the pace has only to talk to South African Petersen - who has instilled a new ethos into the team - to see that he means business.

"There is a different practise put in place this season," said Petersen who admits he might be called more than his nickname "The Virus" behind his back!

"I have got the guys to be more professional. For instance, there is no turning up late to practice and no turning up late for games.

"The more professional attitude is in everything we do. There is a lot more discipline. It is my third season here and obviously in my first season, I had a look at things.

"In my second season, I started to implement a few of the rules and this season, we have really set our stall out and the guys know what they have got to do. It is in everything from practise, to how we achieve things and how we play cricket.

"Successful people may get called names but hopefully we will be successful so I don't mind!"

The 25-year-old has instilled in his team mates a belief in themselves - shown in their narrow victory over Accrington in the league on Sunday.

"I think Accrington were about 120-2 and Andy Barker walked past me and I said 'We will win this'. It wasn't 'we can win this' but 'we will.' I had no doubts.

"And we did - the belief is there. I know what these guys can do and I know they play with their hearts.

"It isn't always just about talent but it is about heart too and we have that here and that has what has got us to the top of the league."

The additions of father and son Bernard and Sam Reidy have bolstered the side and everyone has chipped in to make sure Enfield are still challenging on four fronts - the league, the Worsley Cup, the Inter-League Trophy and the 20/20 competition.

"Craig Fergusson has come on beautifully since he came here and we have worked on his game," said Petersen.

"Chris Maudsley didn't have the best of starts but has come on well too.

"The openers have been great as I have been coming in when there are around 25 overs gone and then I just have to steady the ship."

Petersen has so far chalked up 233 league runs, with a high score of 86, and had taken 10 league wickets.

"Obviously you always want to do better. I am not unhappy but I want to push myself further and onto new levels. I put myself under pressure but it is because I want to achieve so much.

"Everyone is buzzing here at the moment, it is all positive and it is going well. I believe we can win every game and if you go in believing that, you stand a good chance."

It had looked like, after missing the start of the last two campaigns, Petersen would complete a full season with Enfield but his recent good work has been acknowledged with a call-up to the South African Emerging Players Squad who are touring Australia and it means he could miss the whole of July.

"It is a bit sad really. It is always an honour to play for your country and that is fantastic but I have to leave the team when we are doing so well, maybe for a month. But I am sure whoever comes in will do well and the guys will continue to be up for everything."

Enfield's win over Accrington, which took them clear at the top, was tight especially after another top performance from Thorneyholme Road pro Nishit Shetty - celebrating his 34th birthday.

The Indian hit nine fours and two sixes in his 81 with skipper Matt Wilson making 41 but the lower order fell cheaply and Accrington finished 20 runs short of the 165 target. Petersen made 53 and took two wickets.

The day before, Enfield had sealed their place in the second round of the Worsley Cup by seeing off local rivals Church in another tight match.

Church made 168 with Ruven Peiris, battling injury, amassing 79.

Enfield were struggling at 79-6 but Andy Barker's half century took them past the score with two wickets to spare. They are at home to Nelson tomorrow in the next round.

Rishton and Accrington couldn't join their local rivals in the next leg of the competition.

Rishton lost to Haslingden as, despite 51 from Mohsin Ahmed and 44 from John Seedle, they fell 46 runs short of their 194 target.

And Accrington lost to Burnley. Shetty, topping the batting averages, was again outstanding with 88 - and showed no signs of jet lag after returning home to visit his sick father midweek.

But they were all out for 125 and Burnley won by six wickets.

On Sunday, Church joined Enfield in the winning habit thanks to a superb performance by sub pro Steve Dearden standing in for the injured Peiris. He took 8-32 to see off Rishton, whose pro Vernon Philander needed a scan on an injured ankle.

Church made 203-7 with a strong team batting performance with Dearden top scoring with 40 in their 126-run win.

  • ENFIELD are in 20/20 action tonight against Rishton in the Lancashire League Cup. The game starts at 6pm with music and a barbecue. Church played East Lancs in their group clash last night.
  • NIGEL Stockley is on the hunt for photographs of Accrington CC's 1986 Cup win. Anyone who can help contact Nigel on 01254 392923 or e-mail ncstockley@supanet.com .