BILLY Stelling could do former club East Lancs a massive favour tomorrow by shattering Nelson's Lancashire League title hopes at the Worswick Memorial Ground.

Stelling is hoping to sign off with a match-winning performance after answering Rawtenstall's emergency call halfway through the season.

And if he helps pull off one of the shocks of the season it could hand the title back to East Lancs - as well as ensuring Rawtenstall avoid picking up the wooden spoon.

Nelson go into the final round of matches with a nine-point advantage which means they need just four more points to guarantee their second successive Lancashire League title - even if East Lancs claim maximum points at home to Haslingden.

And they can even afford to lose to Rawtenstall provided they picked up enough bonus points.

But Stelling and his team-mates have their own point to prove and the irony of the situation isn't lost on the South African.

During his two-year stint at Alexandra Meadows he twice finished with a runners-up medal.

But he could finally deliver East Lancs' first title in nine years by playing a starring role for his new club.

"I'm not really thinking too much about the league as a whole," said Stelling.

"I just want to do well for Rawtenstall. "I tried my best to win it for East Lancs when I was there but we came second which wasn't good enough.

"But if they're relying on us to do it for them tomorrow then they've left it a bit late."

Stelling has struggled to find any form with the bat since joining Rawtenstall as replacement professional for the injured Lloyd Ferriera.

But despite the fact both he and the side have struggled, he's enjoyed the chance to re-acquaint himself with the Lancashire League.

"I've absolutely loved my time here," said Stelling.

"To come in halfway through a season is always going to be difficult.

"But the guys have been very supportive and I've really got on with everyone.

"The way they've kept their spirits up after a couple of seasons at the bottom end of the table is brilliant.

"Everyone has remained positive both on and off the field.

"And I think we've got the ability when we play to our potential to beat the top sides.

"We showed what we can do when we thrashed the pants off Haslingden recently.

"And I don't see any reason why Rawtenstall can't finish higher up next year."

Keith Roscoe's men can still finish bottom if Nelson beat them while Accrington and Rishton both pick up maximum points.

But those thoughts couldn't be further from Stelling's mind as he bids to stop Roger Harper and company in their tracks. "Being down in London for most of the week, I don't really get the chance to study league tables," said Stelling.

"But we are just focused on winning the game.

"We are going into it as underdogs but you never know in this game, we might just spring a surprise.

"But we've got to stop Harper because, along with Joe Scuderi, he's probably the most experienced player in the league.

"And I think experience in the Lancashire League counts for as much, if not more, than ability."

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

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