MARK Bolton is hoping he can lead the most successful team in Worsley Cup history to more silverware this season – but admits his East Lancashire outfit face a real tough test in the first round at Colne tomorrow.

The famous old trophy has been in the Alexandra Meadows locker 18 times, double closest rivals Nelson, and Bolton hankers for another win to add to the 2007 success.

But Bolton is on his guard ahead of the showdown at The Horsfield – the second meeting in two days between the sides following today’s league showdown – especially as Colne’s fast bowling professional Anwar Ali has finally arrived in the country.

Ali claimed 76 wickets in a 20-match spell last season but didn’t get the chance to pit his wits against the East Lancs batting due to the weather.

“We missed him last year,” said Bolton. “It rained when Colne were batting and we never got back on but we will see him enough this weekend.

“To be honest it is good for the league and it is a throwback to a few years ago. When I first started playing, there would be five or six fast bowlers playing in the league.

“Now the tide has turned towards spinners or batsmen who bowl a bit so it will be different to see the fast bowlers.

“And I suppose there is a bit of a bonus for us in the cup in that he can only bowl 10 overs.”

Bolton is aware that Colne are anything but a one-man team and he added: “It’s a tough game.

"They have a few good players and they are not a bottom-of-the-table outfit in my mind.

“It should be a good game.”