PETER Thompson has been ruled out of Bacup's clash against Rishton tomorrow.

The veteran batsman broke a finger in training, and will see a specialist on Tuesday to determine how long he will be missing from the line-up.

It comes as a massive blow to the league leaders, who will make a late decision on naming Thompson's replacement. James Cunliffe would have been the natural replacement but he is still out injured.

Thompson has hit 378 runs this season, and BACUP manager Alick Ormerod said: "It's hard to replace a player of Peter's calibre."

RISHTON are facing the prospect of losing their New Zealand professional, James Franklin, for the rest of the season.

Franklin was recently drafted into the Kiwi's squad for their triangular One-day series with England and the West Indies.

Then when that's finished in the middle of next month, Franklin is likely to sign a short-term contract with Gloucestershire, who have loaned Alistair Bressington to Rishton this weekend as Franklin's deputy.

Rod Simpson, the Rishton chairman, is now looking to bring in a suitable replacement for the rest of the season.

Lee Daggett is back from Durham University to bolster RAMSBOTTOM as they go to BURNLEY - who also welcome back their own Durham student, David Brown.

Daggett will replace knee ligament injury victim Simon Read, whose brother Robert has recovered from a damaged finger to replace Mark Dentith, who is on holiday.

It will be pro Murali Kartik's last game for Ramsbottom before a two-week training camp with the India squad ahead of the Asia Cup.

Rock-bottom Burnley hope Brown's return will boost a batting line-up that has provided scant support to Jonathan Clare, who is the first amateur in the league to pass 500 runs.

RAWTENSTALL are sticking with the side that collapsed in dramatic fashion at Ramsbottom last week for the trip to East Lancs -- the fourth meeting between the teams this season.

The Worswick Memorial Ground side slumped from 49-0 to 50-5 in the space of two overs but chairman Brian Payne is confident his side can make amends.

He said: "That collapse was down to some bad batting rather than good bowling but I am sure we can bounce back and win at East Lancs."

EAST LANCS, meanwhile, showed signs of turning the corner with a fine win at Crompton in the Inter League Challenge Trophy last week -- but it came at a price.

Influential batsman Mark Lomas damaged a knee during that game and he's unlikely to be fit this weekend.

Andy Clague is also missing due to family commitments but Phil Bolton makes a welcome return from injury.

Derbyshire's South African batsman James Bryant will be sub pro for HASLINGDEN at home to Lowerhouse.

Captain Paul Blackledge said: " He's been out for four or five weeks and wants to play some club cricket to get back into it."

LOWERHOUSE make one change as they bring in promising all-rounder Ben Heap and Ben Haggerty steps down.

ENFIELD are counting numbers ahead of tomorrow's trip to NELSON.

Captain Mas Ahmed is one of four players ruled out through work commitments, along with Andrew Barker, Kaz Shazad and Robert Green. A late decision will be made on the four replacements, while Nelson are set to name their first choice line-up.

High flying CHURCH are gunning for revenge when they come face to face with rampant Colne professional Andre Adams at Blackburn Road.

The Kiwi smashed 43 off 12 balls, then grabbed eight wickets - including a hat-trick - in the first meeting between the two sides last month.

Church representative Jack Houldsworth said: "Adams blew us away last time and no-one wants to see a repeat performance."

COLNE welcome back all-rounders Geoff Ellis and Quasim Ali to their starting line-up as they look to bounce back from two defeats.

Chairman Trevor Lonsdale said: "It will be good to have Geoff back in the side. He has only played one game this season but he is the ideal person to strengthen our batting and bowling attack."

At Thorneyholme Road ACCRINGTON are unchanged as they face TODMORDEN and they will be looking for a success to match their thrilling victory at Centre Vale just a month ago when pro Tama Canning starred.