ASTLEY Bridge host Westhoughton tomorrow looking to their Sri Lankan double act to help them bounce back from defeat to Walkden.

The Sharples Park side sit sixth in the Bolton League after Sunday's reverse but are still just 13 points behind leaders Greenmount.

And much of their success in the first half of the campaign has been down to the form of overseas stars Syd de Silva and close-season signing Amal Athulathmudali, according to skipper Simon Entwistle.

Both have hit more than 200 runs so far and have been taking wickets with regularity –nine between them in last Saturday's win against Tonge.

Entwistle told The Bolton News: "Amal is a good pro who we signed as a batsman really.

"But I knew he was a more than competent bowler who I felt just hadn't had the opportunity at previous club Egerton.

"He has shown this year he can take wickets and I think it also helps him with his batting because he is involved in both innings and that translates into boosting his confidence.

"The irony is that he has been more useful to us as a bowler so far.

"There is the Sri Lankan connection there with Syd and he has had a fantastic start this year as well.

"Both have good experience of the Bolton League and it is good for the team.

"Syd has done very well with the bat and is probably not far off the total he got in the whole of last season.

"They have helped us a lot this year when we have been competitive in almost every game – not just the ones we have been expected to win.

"When we have our full side out we can give anyone a game as we proved when we beat Farnworth Social Circle.

"Hopefully, we can do the same against a good Westhoughton team this weekend."

Having a full side out has not been the case on too many occasions for Entwistle this season.

Regular wicketkeeper Rick Northrop has been unavailable due to his preparations for the Ironman UK event in Bolton next month.

But that has given teenager Matt Hargraves a chance behind the stumps and Entwistle has been hugely encouraged by his displays.

The captain said: "We have been missing players due to holidays and Ramadan and Rick Northrop – who was a key man last season – is training for Ironman.

"But Matt Hargraves has stepped in and been fantastic.

"He is only 15 but is a talent and definitely one for the future.

"He is learning all the time but the fact he stands up to Dave Cryer, our decent-paced opening bowler, shows his confidence.

"It has been a big challenge for him but he has proved more than capable.

"It has meant that even with players missing, we have still been winning and that is one of many positives for me this season."