CHURCH professional James Bryant is hoping to leave the Blackburn Road club on a high note at the end of the summer and victory over local rivals Accrington tomorrow should further banish the threat of ending up with the Transco Lancashire League's wooden spoon.

The Eastern Province batsman will not be returning to Church next season as they look for runs and wickets to bolster their fortunes.

"I'm more of batting pro and Church need an all-rounder who will strengthen the batting and the bowling, so I'm not really ideal for them," he said.

But Bryant wants to sign off in style with his sights still set on 1,000 runs and a respectable league finish.

He believes the side can push on towards mid-table and a repeat of the big hundred he made in his last outing against Todmorden will help him achieve his goals before he returns to South Africa.

"I definitely want to get over 1,000 runs. That's a milestone in Lancashire League cricket. I've got another 300 to get but with seven games left it's definitely something I can get. It's a personal thing as well. I want to do well for myself and the team," he said.

Church have tended to save their best for the big guns and as well as beating Todmorden have also seen off Enfield and champions Bacup this summer.

However, just one other win has seen them languishing third from bottom of the table with games this weekend against fellow strugglers Nelson and basement club Accrington.

Two wins would see daylight between Church and the foot of the table and Bryant is looking to wrap up a double at home to Accrington, who are now being led by Damian Clarke.

He said: "We won the first game at their place and I know they will be keen to get back at us. But we are playing a lot better than we have done and we are pretty confident that we can do well. If we play like we can we know we can win."

Bryant and Craig Fergusson will be looking to pick up where they left off in setting a club record partnership in the win over Todmorden and despite struggling at the wrong end of the table Bryant has enjoyed his first taste of the Lancashire League.

He said: "It's been good. I think I've learned a lot since I've been here and my batting form has been pretty good all summer. I've had a good time over here and it's getting better and better the more we play. I'm pretty happy at the moment."

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