ATHERTON and Clifton have a double date over the weekend in the Anthony Axford Bolton Association.

Tomorrow the two teams meet at Howe Bridge and then face each other again on Monday when they clash in the second round of the ECB National Knockout.

"It will be interesting to see if we have a different outcome in the two games," said Clifton skipper Ian Morris.

"We both could do with wins to get the season up and running and hopefully it will be us, rather than them, that can pick up 20 points tomorrow and a knockout win on Monday."

Both sides have not got off to the start they expected.

Clifton boast probably one of the best batting line-ups in the league, and although they beat leaders Walshaw in the first round of the Cross Cup, they still have not achieved a win in the league.

"We have been a bit unlucky," claimed Morris. "We lost the toss in the first game against Astley and Tyldesley, which didn't help us, and on reflection should have declared to give ourselves more overs to get them out. After that the weather has beaten us as well.

"We're still confident though but we just need to pick up the 20 points from a couple of games."

Atherton are still trying to find some early season consistency, but they found some consolation in defeat last week when they were beaten by Ribblesdale League side Read in the Thwaites Knockout.

The form of young David Marsh was encouraging as he kept the innings together with a mature innings when wickets were tumbling around him and Atherton officials are hopeful he can build on that, along with other young players such as Paul Walsh, to become one of the mainstays of the side.

It is a double programme in the Association this weekend but leaders Walshaw, who entertain A & T tomorrow, have a day off on Sunday.

Fixtures - tomorrow: Atherton v Clifton, Blackrod v Elton, Edgworth v Adlington, Little Hulton v Golborne, Lostock v Daisy Hill, Spring View v Standish, Walshaw v A & T.

Sunday: Adlington v Little Hulton, A & T v Edgworth, Clifton v Lostock, Daisy Hill v Blackrod, Elton v Darcy Lever, Golborne v Spring View, Standish v Atherton.