BACUP captain Neil Wilkinson has praised his side's amateurs after last weekend's fightback against Rawtenstall -- and says the performance proved they are not just a one-man team.

The league leaders looked like they were heading for their first defeat in months at the Worswick Memorial Ground when pro Shaun Young went for a duck.

The side were chasing just 137 but at one stage they were little over 30 for five wickets and it looked like it was going Rawtenstall's way.

But a lower order fightback secured 10 points to keep the side's noses in front of second-placed East Lancs, who are just four points behind.

"It doesn't matter where the runs come from," said Bacup captain Neil Wilkinson.

"Whether they come from the pro or number two, three or four or from seven or eight, as long as we get them.

"And Peter Killelea (54) and John Chapman (26) came up with the runs for us on Sunday."

And far from Bacup showing they have a weakness, Wilkinson feels Sunday's performance shows just how strong the side is.

"We were up against it and these are the games that are the most rewarding to win because when you are chasing 150 and your pro gets 100 there isn't much of a challenge.

"Sunday's win showed that our amateurs are doing the business too.

"Two or three years ago we would have lost that game but we are more confident now.

"The talk in the dressing room was of winning the game even after those first five wickets fell. We knew we could do it. "That is what a bit of success does. When the chips are down we still have confidence."

And Wilkinson is proud of the fact that his side are no longer regarded as a one- or two-man outfit.

"Last season the word was we had Adam Dale and David Ormerod taking all the wickets and bowling people out to win games and that was the case. It was a low-scoring season.

"They thought it was a one-off but the amateurs have really proved themselves this season.

"There are a few who have chipped in with important runs.

"People are now beginning to realise we are not just a one or two man band. They are saying that we play for each other and if they get into a difficult situation they stick together and get the result."

The league title race is far from over yet, though.

"There are 60 points to play for. We are playing Ramsbottom tomorrow and they beat us in the Worsley Cup final although there will be no revenge mission.

"They haven't done as well as they would have liked in the league but they are a good side on their day."

Tomorrow's fixtures: Accrington v Enfield, Bacup v Ramsbottom, Haslingden v Rawtenstall, Lowerhouse v Burnley, Nelson v Colne, Rishton v Church, Todmorden v East Lancs.