OCKERT Erasmus passed 6,000 Lancashire League runs at the weekend, but the occasion passed the South African by.

For a previous statistical disappointment has led to the Lowerhouse professional not looking at his figures until the end of each season, and assessing from there.

“I didn’t realise until I saw it in a report on Monday or Tuesday. I prefer not to look at stats during the season, I look afterwards, because the first time I checked I ended up 15 short of 1,000,” Erasmus explained.

“I think it was my last season at Accrington so about three years ago.

“As soon as you worry about those types of things everything else goes out of the window. I’m happy as long as the team is doing well, which we are at the minute.”

Lowerhouse are riding high in the Lancashire League, in touching distance of leaders Walsden, while there is the prospect of facing Burnley for the first time in the Worsley Cup final, after both sides reached the last four.

And Erasmus, known as Ocki, says the carrot of a derby - his first in eight Lancashire League seasons - could prove to be a distraction between now and then.

“It will be quite tough knowing what the prize is. We just have to play it game by game, but it would be a great day out,” said the former East Lancs and Accrington professional.

“I’ve never played in the final so for me it would be a first. The only time I’ve played in a semi-final was actually against Lowerhouse, and we lost.

“There’s so much rivalry between Lowerhouse and Burnley. Last year we beat them in the semi-finals of the LCB Knock-out Cup and that was quite a big game for us.

“You could tell by the reaction of the spectators on the day it means a lot to both clubs.

“We got the bragging rights.

“If we were to meet again in the Worsley Cup final I think it would be quite fiery.”

Of Lowerhouse’s league and cup chances, Erasmus added: “On paper we’ve got a very strong side, good guys who have been there and done it who have helped to make my life so much easier.

“Paddy Martin has done really well with the ball and Francois Haasbroek with the bat.

“I don’t have to worry about everything else around me and just focus on my own game.

“We’ve got a strong set-up and if we get it right, like we are at the moment, we should be pushing for the top with the likes of Walsden and Ramsbottom.”

Erasmus and co will look to reinforce their position at struggling Colne on Sunday. And the 30-year-old will aim to be in the runs again.

“I came into the league eight years ago as a bowler that batted a bit,” he said.

“I think I’ve found a way to adapt a bit to the conditions and knowing what is expected in the league. And over time you adapt and work out your game. I think that’s counted in my favour, the fact that I’ve been here for quite a while.

“And I think it helps when you are enjoying your cricket. It makes life a lot easier.

“I’ve enjoyed it at Lowerhouse. Me and my wife have felt at home from the start, and being in the league a while you get to know certain players and certain clubs and make friends.”

Erasmus might be the professional, but he admits he has learned a lot from team-mate Chris Bleazard.

He concedes he holds little hope of matching the 16,000 Lancashire League runs the veteran passed last season.

“I’ve got no chance! I’m not going to get close to 16,000. I’d need another 15 years in the league!” he smiled.

“He is on a different level to have scored that many runs, and at 51 years old still rocking up and playing three games a weekend, and training twice a week.

“I’ve picked his brain along the way, and those guys with that experience, and he’s helped me adapt.

“I’m fortunate to play with him.”

In the other Lancashire League games, Accrington host Rawtenstall, Bacup entertain Ramsbottom in the Rossendale derby, Burnley are at home to nearby Nelson, while Clitheroe will bid to be the first team to beat Walsden in the league this season.

Church are at Crompton, East Lancs host Milnrow, Great Harwood and Rishton go head to head, Darwen travel to Littleborough, Enfield are at Norden, Haslingden face Rochdale away and Todmorden host Middleton.