WEEKEND preview of the region's local cricket action.

Get set for fireworks when Norden host Rochdale tonight (6.15) in the inaugural final of the Lees Bitter Twenty20 Cup in the Central Lancashire League.

On one side are Paul Carroll and Hashum Malik of the host club, two explosive hitters who are capable of taking any attack to the cleaners on the compact Woodhouse Lane ground.

And that's not forgetting ace professional Asif Mujtaba, now in his ninth season at the club and still regularly turning in tremendous performances in all forms of the game. On the other is Rochdale professional Alcindo Holder, the West Indian who has been a revelation in his first year with the Redbrook club.

Some of Holder's hitting has been sensational and Norden will know all about him, having been on the end of a typically rapid 66 in the last of the group matches three weeks ago.

Another big knockout date comes on Sunday in the Anthony Axford Bolton Association, when Walshaw are at home to Atherton in the semi-final of the Cross Cup.

The match should have been played three weeks ago, but was delayed while the Association heard, and subsequently rejected, a complaint from Darcy Lever that Blackrod had fielded ineligible players in their first round game. Blackrod went on to lose to Walshaw.

Already in the final are Elton, who easily accounted for Spring View in their semi.

Elton are having a tremendous season and have opened up a 23-point lead in the title race.

Another semi-final on Sunday comes in the Manchester Association, when Stretford entertain Wythenshawe in the Surridge Sports Trophy. The winners will face Hindley St Peters in the final the following week.

Big clash in the Lees Brewery Lancashire County League tomorrow is leaders Denton at home to third-placed Dukinfield.

In the Per-Fit Windows Saddleworth League tomorrow, third-placed Stayley are at home to pacesetters Hollinwood, who have seen their lead eaten away in recent weeks.

Top clash in the ECB Premier League of the CD Bramhall Trucks Cheshire League tomorrow sees leaders Hyde facing a stiff test at third-placed Bowdon.

The Littlewoods Gaming Liverpool Competition visit the North Staffordshire and South Cheshire League in the quarter-final of the League Cricket Conference President's Trophy on Sunday. The winners are at home to Durham Senior of Nottinghamshire Premier League in the semi-final.

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