But this weekend, with the weather looking more settled, they have a chance to really get some cricket under their belts with a Central Lancashire League double header.

However, it really could not be a tougher pair of games for David Blake's men, with a trip to second placed Heywood tomorrow followed by an away game, at table topping Monton & Weate on Sunday.

The Scott Street skipper accepted that it would be a testing weekend, but pointed out that of four games played so far, the Scott Street men have won one and had the better of three draws.

And with new professional Janaka Gunaratne fitting seamlessly into an already strong squad, he believes Walsden can be a match for anyone in the league.

"Janaka has had limited chances with the bat, partly because of the weather, but he has already impressed us with the ball and has fitted in very well," said Blake.

"He has already had a five wicket haul against Royton and has shown he can turn the ball despite having to bowl on wet wickets so far and has a delivery that goes the other way.

"When the wickets dry out as the summer goes on, he should really come into his own, and he's a good fielder too so he's been a great addition to the side."

Blake pointed out that while last year's professional, 21-year-old South African Mario Saliwa, was perhaps slightly out of his depth and suffered from his inexperience in English conditions, Gunaratne was clearly more seasoned.

"He's 27 now and has been over here a couple of times before, and with 70 plus first class games under his belt he has a lot of experience and that shows in his game."

Fellow overseas recruit Matt Thomson has struggled to adapt to damper pitches than in his native Australia, but Blake said time was on his side and he was hoping to become a greater asset as the season wears on.

The Walsden captain explained that such had been the impact of the dreadful weather, only openers Mark Hooson and James Rawlinson had really had the chance to make an impact in the middle so far, but they had certainly taken that chance.

"Mark has been playing very well and James Rawlinson was in probably the best form of his career towards the end of last season and has managed to carry it on this term," said Blake.

He added that the majority of the home grown talent which featured prominently in the first team were now in their mid twenties so like Gunaratne had experience to add to their talent, and he believed Walsden had the strength in depth to both launch and maintain a title challenge.

A couple of decent results this weekend could really get that challenge on the road.

FIXTURES
Saturday
Airedale & Wharfedale League
Division C: Illingworth v Addingham.
Bradford League
Division One: Manningham Mills v Brighouse. Division Two: Farsley v Lightcliffe.
Central Lancashire League: Heywood v Walsden.
Central Yorkshire League
Premier Division: Northowram Fields v Birstall.
Huddersfield League
Premiership: Meltham v Elland, Barkisland v Shepley.
Lancashire League: Todmorden v Accrington.

Sunday
Airedale & Wharfedale League
Waddilove Cup, first round: Steeton v Illingworth.
Central Lancashire League: Monton & Weaste v Walsden.
Heavy Woollen Cup
Second round: Barkisland v Kirkheaton, Wrenthorpe v Brighouse.
Huddersfield League
Second round: Clayton West v Elland, Meltham v Barkisland.
Lancashire League
Worsley Cup, first round: Rawtenstall v Todmorden.