FOR the first time this season, Horwich are looking up at the leaders of the Bolton League writes Peter Mensforth

Their rain-hit draw against Heaton last week saw them leapfrogged by Tonge, who pulled off their anticipated win over bottom club Farnworth.

And it was an experience the Horwich lads did not enjoy although to be fair they half expected it to happen.

"We knew there was a certain amount of pressure on us," said professional David White, "because we felt Tonge were always going to win their game while there was a weather threat for us at Heaton.

"We knew the rain was probably going to play a part so we gave it a go batting second. Unfortunately we lost cheap wickets doing that but in the end the rain did come down and that was that."

However, according to White, that is not the end of Horwich's title ambitions.

"We've all enjoyed the first half of the season and we're determined to keep it going. We've set the standard now but we're confident. We've got a lot of experience in the side and we do stick together as a unit.

"That has helped us get the best out of players. Andy Taylor, for instance. In the past he has suffered from a certain lack of self-confidence but we've helped and encouraged him and he is now bowling better than ever. We always knew he could do it but this season he has been a revelation and certainly a major factor in what we have achieved up to now. I think he has surprised a lot of people."

Horwich faced a tough weekend, however. Today they came up against Little Lever and were hit by holiday absences to Steve and Nick Woods plus the injury to pro Grant Long that has restricted his bowling.

Tomorrow in the second round of the Hamer Cup they come up against the only side to have beaten them this season, Walkden, knowing they will have to be on top of their game to get anything out of last season's champions.