CRICKET returns to East Lancashire this weekend - and there's a special import who's ready to add extra spice to another sizzling season - blond South African pace warrior Alan Donald.

Defending Lancashire League champions Rishton kick of their campaign against runners-up Ramsbottom with the sensational test quickie in their side.

Regarded as one of the best in the world, Donald - whose trademark is a sunblock warpaint splash across the bridge of his nose - is set to bring memories flooding back of 1987 when the mighty Viv Richards played for the village side.

Rishton treasurer Andrew Proctor said: "Signing a player of Alan's quality is like Alan Shearer signing for a Blackburn Combination League side. It's just not heard of and we're hoping for bumper home crowds."

Meanwhile Great Harwood will be looking to go one better in the Ribblesdale League.

The Ramsbottom Cup holders have finished runners-up in the league for the past two years and kick off the new campaign against Clitheroe.

Chairman Steve Pilling said: "We have been very close for the past two seasons and there is no reason why we cannot lift the title this year."

Former Colne and Barnoldswick professional Chris Killen replaces fellow Aussie Paul Hutchinson as the Cliffe Park side's paid man, and Richard Shovelton joins the side from Blackburn Northern.

And despite losing two key players, Darwen will be aiming to be amongst the trophies again in the Northern League.

Both Jeff Hacking and Ian Critchley have left the club, who face Blackpool twice this weekend, with Peter Skuse coming in as professional.

Chairman Peter Lampton said: "Losing Jeff and Ian is a blow but it gives some of our youngsters a chance to stake a first team place."

On Saturday, Blackpool visit Birch Hall for a league clash then return on Sunday for the first round of the Abbott Ale National Knockout competition. Ribblesdale League, Saturday:

Cherry Tree v Barnoldswick; Edenfield v Earby; Great Harwood v Clitheroe; Padiham v Blackburn Northern; Read v Whalley; Ribblesdale W v Baxenden. Lancashire League, Sunday:

Accrington v Colne; Bacup v Burnley; Haslingden v Enfield; Lowerhouse v East Lancashire; Nelson v Church; Rishton v Ramsbottom; Todmorden v Rawtenstall.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.