CHURCH professional Ruvin Peiris is aiming to bite off the hand that fed him in the Inter League Trophy clash at Middleton tomorrow.

The Sri Lankan enjoyed five years at the Central Lancashire League outfit before joining the West Enders this summer.

And fate has thrown up an intriguing first round showdown tomorrow.

Church representative Jack Houldsworth said: "It will be a a big day for Ruvin. He scored something like 7,000 runs in five years at Middleton and they thought that highly of him that when he left they made him an honorary life member.

"Ruvin played against us twice in the Inter League Trophy and we were impressed with him back then.

"He is proving to be the enthusiastic player we signed and I'm sure he will be up for the game."

Church's bowling is strengthened for the game by the return of Andrew Bentley.

Holders HASLINGDEN host Central League champions Rochdale in the tie of the round, with pro Andrew McDonald returning from injury after a two-week absence, but Mike Ingham could be missing with a sore back.

Captain Paul Blackledge said: "It's a big game and we take the competition very seriously. We want to retain the cup."

BURNLEY welcome back Gareth Halley for the home clash with Oldham. Halley, who had a back injury, replaces David Connolly. The Turf Moor outfit are also hoping that Lancashire's Jonathan Clare will be fit to bowl for the first time this season.

After notching a Worsley Cup success over Rishton on Monday night, 1999 runners-up NELSON will seek to keep up their strong cup from away to Norden.

RISHTON have no fresh injury concerns for the trip to Werneth although captain Jonathan Dobson is still out injured.

ENFIELD are missing eight players for tomorrow's trip to Crompton.

Andy Barker, Adam Bracewell and Neil Holmes are all on holiday while the remainder are unavailable through work commitments in a repeat of last season's semi-final.

Brian Taylor and Simon Read will come in for RAMSBOTTOM as they host Milnrow.

COLNE will be without opening bowler Gareth Ormerod and David Spokes for the visit of Unsworth.

In-form second team captain Nigel Rimmer and young bowler Matthew Clarke will replace them while professional Andre Adams will make his home debut.

RAWTENSTALL will be looking for Peter Seal and Andrew Payne to come up with the goods again as they entertain Stand.

Seal took a season's best 6 for 18 while Payne hit 74 in last weekend's victory against Enfield.

LOWERHOUSE will be missing the injured Matt and Jez Hope, and all-rounder Chris Benbow for the visit of Walsden to Liverpool Road.

Ben Heap, Phil Haggerty and Chris Astin all step up from the Seconds.

For the second year running TODMORDEN face a trip to Heywood and are likely to use the trip to give some of their younger bowlers the chance to gain experience in the first team.

BACUP will be looking for a repeat of last year's result after drawing Ashton again in the first round. Andrew Spencer took four wickets in a 136-run victory.

Young Jamie McGregor replaces veteran John Chapman behind the stumps.

EAST LANCS travel to Radcliffe tomorrow to play their last game before professional Quinton Friend makes his debut.

Sid Patel replaces Dave Pearson in the starting line-up.

ACCRINGTON have a bye in the first round of the competition.