HASLINGDEN skipper Mike Ingham has admitted he's been more like a weatherman this week than a cricket captain.

Ingham has been out at the Bentgate ground several times every day adding and removing the covers as the heavy rain showers came and went.

But he fears his and the groundsman's efforts could be in vain as play tomorrow against second-placed East Lancs looks increasingly unlikely.

Ingham said: "It's absolutely unbelievable. We put a large amount of sand on the outfield last season and that's been superb. But, of course, the square, which is a false surface, is just saturated.

"It's not so much the wicket but the other side of it. We're going to cover it all up and hope for the best, but the forecast's not good."

Muneeb Ahmed comes in for Barry Knowles for the home side.

EAST LANCS, who are involved in Twenty20 action against Rishton tonight, travel to Bentgate, where captain Mark Bolton is expecting a tough encounter.

"They have a very experienced captain in Mike Ingham and a good pro so it will be a real test for us, especially at their ground, but I think it will be a very even contest," he said.

East Lancs' only absentee is Sid Patel, who will be sidelined for around four weeks following a recurrence of a finger injury.

TODMORDEN face Ramsbottom tomorrow and skipper Jon Henderson is urging his side to produce the goods.

He said: "They've got a good pro in Sunil Joshi but, man for man, we're as strong as they are.

"We've got some players coming back so we're keen to get back to playing cricket and hopefully picking up some points."

Andrew and Ben Sutcliffe and Matt Brierley all return for Oliver Wood, Alistair Harrison and James Crossley.

Leaders Rishton welcome Colne to Blackburn Road with an 18-point cushion from challenging East Lancs.

Champions Burnley travel to basement boys Accrington, who will be desperate to give their new regime an outing after last weekend's miserable weather decimated a promising start against Enfield.

Lowly Church are the visitors to Bacup who will be looking to take form into their Worsley Cup semi-final and struggling Nelson play Rawtenstall at Seedhill.