THE only way is up for Bacup on this evidence and a jubilant Lanehead skipper David Thompson agreed, writes PETER WHITE.
In stark contrast, they could well pass Saturday's Lanehead victims Rishton travelling in the opposite direction.
Judged on Saturday's poor performance, the side that went into the game second only to Nelson are more pretenders to the crown than contenders.
With bleak skies overhead and a chill wind, it was a miserable day.
But Bacup provided some high spots to match their ground's location in a one-sided affair in which they out-thought, outfought and overwhelmingly outplayed their opponents.
And, even though he didn't score a run, didn't send down a single delivery or take a catch, Thompson's display as skipper was one of them.
His positive attitude, astute use of his bowlers, constant encouragement and decision to declare were all proof of a man who - in his first season as captain - has clearly come to terms with the new rules.
It might not have shown in his team's league position in the first half of the season. But don't back against a big Bacup improvement.
Especially if their value-for-money professional Brad White can continue to perform as he did against Rishton.
Thompson certainly believes better days lie ahead and he is determined to achieve them by playing positive cricket.
``That's the way we have tried to play all season and we will continue to do so,'' he said after an easy win by exactly 100 runs. ``We have a well-balanced side and a first-class professional. That was probably his best innings so far and he deserved more wickets for his bowling. But we haven't had a lot of luck and should really have won one or two more games.
``I decided before the start that if we could get 170 or 180 on the board after 50 overs I would declare. I believe you have to take a gamble and a few risks in this type of cricket.
``You might lose one or two games but you have to go for the win.''
Bacup's prospects could soon improve if they continue in this vein.
They handled spin doctor Corrie Jordaan as well as any side this season with White hitting a dozen boundaries in his 72, including one or two exquisite drives.
The pro was the mainstay of the innings and was clearly angry when he chased one and was caught behind.
Robbie Walsh (2-14) made a happy return for Rishton and Scott Greaves claimed his first league wicket of the season, but it was a premature celebration as Bacup went on to post 184-6 declared.
The re-introduction of Jordaan late on proved a failure as John Chapman, in typical beligerent mood, belted him for a couple of big sixes.
Rishton weren't chasing a massive total, or trying to beat the rain in a 15-over slog, yet big-hitting skipper Russell Whalley opted to open with Stuart Roberts. It was an admirable statement of intent in one respect but, in another, symptomatic of the kamikaze cricket which is so often a feature of Rishton's game.
The ploy failed and they were soon in trouble with teenager James Cunliffe wrecking the top order.
He was helped by some rash batting from a side not unfamiliar with a suicidal tendency and the rest of the attack also enjoyed themselves.
Rishton might reflect on the fact that more should have batted with the commonsense of Neil Wells but, simplistic though it seems, if Jordaan fails with the ball and Whalley with the bat, there wasn't too much else to worry opponents.
From the early stages of this game, the enthusiasm and effectiveness of Bacup was clearly superior.
Eventually, they also collected the points they deserved.
Chorley's highs and lows
IT was a triple header weekend of highs and lows for Chorley who swept to the top of the Northern League on Saturday but tasted defeat in two cup competitions.
A middle order batting slump left Chorley 15 short of victory in the Lancashire Cricket Board trophy tie at Egerton.
After the Bolton League side recovered from 68-7 to reach 135-9, Chorley professional Tim Menting taking 4-30, Chorley appeared well set at 107-3 in reply.
But solid efforts by Roland Horridge (35) and Nigel Heaton (26) proved in vain when the collapse set in. It was a vastly different story on Saturday at Sandy Lane where Chorley toppled league leaders Leyland DAF with the minimum of fuss.
Leg spinner Keith Eccleshare was in superlative form to send Leyland reeling from 81-1 to 117 all out with 7-52 from his 17 overs. Slow left-armer Rex Purnell bowled unchanged to pick up 2-40 from 24.1 very tidy overs.
On a sluggish track Chorley took no risks and a splendid second wicket stand of 102 between Russell Cake (60 not out) and skipper Roland Horridge (39) carried them to the brink of victory which was finally achieved for a loss of 2 wickets.
The failure of any of their three closest rivals to win on Saturday leaves Chorley four points clear at the top of the table.
Keith Eccleshare was again in fine form at Kendal yesterday, taking 5 for 19 in the Vaux Samson Cup final. Even so, Kendal posted a testing 162-8 which Chorley seldom looked capable of matching. Jim Fazackerley top scored with 33 in the visitor's all out reply of 122. Chorley play Birkenhead Park in the last 16 of the Abbot Ale Cup next Sunday at Windsor Park.
Darwen skipper Gareth Cordingley led his side to a comfortable four wicket win over Leyland with a magnificent 70, well supported by brother Neil with an unbeaten 28. After a poor start against some fine bowling from Andrew Mercer and Dave Bonner, Leyland recovered to reach a respectable 158-8.
Professional Neil Rimmer led the way, with Mercer and Darwen pro Peter Sleep taking three wickets each.
Darwen made their own faltering start but the Cordingley brothers reached the target with nine overs to spare.