CAPTAIN Rob Houghton is relishing a weekend double-header as his Westhoughton side look for success in both the Bolton League and the Hamer Cup.

The Howfeners host Horwich in the league tomorrow before a big semi-final date with Walkden at St George's Oval 24 hours later as they bid to reach a first Hamer Cup final in 11 years.

Sunday's visitors made the final three years out of four in the last decade and won the trophy five years ago.

It is a big weekend for Houghton's men and he admits it is one to relish.

He told The Bolton News: "It is weekends like this why you love playing local cricket.

"This is one to savour for us. We have a game against a good Horwich side first up as we look to keep up the pressure on the top teams in the league.

"Then we have a big semi-final on home turf against Walkden.

"We know they have a good record in the competition and know how to win cup ties and get to finals.

"But we are overdue a Hamer Cup win.

"The last time we got to the final in 2004 we beat Greenmount. Since then they have knocked us out a few times.

"They are in the other half of the draw so a final against them if they get through would be a repeat of 11 years ago.

"We have to be at our best on Sunday first to get past Walkden."

Houghton believes his side have a chance if the rest of the team provide backing for in-form pro Qaiser Abbas who has again shone with both bat and ball this season.

Abbass is closing in on 500 runs and 50 wickets and riding high in the averages.

And Houghton revealed he has just committed to a further two years with the club.

The skipper added: "Qaiser is fantastic and still the best in the league for me.

"He is a genuine matchwinner and the fact he is staying with us for a further two years is a huge boost."