GREENMOUNT's treble dreams will hinge on the outcome of two titanic clashes this weekend.

Already through to the Lancashire Knockout semi-final, the Bolton League club take on leaders Walkden in Saturday's top-of-the-table clash - then do battle with the same opponents in the Hamer Cup final the following day.

And cricket chairman Dave Willetts believes the Brandlesholme Road club have what it takes to pull off an incredible triple.

"It would be brilliant," said Willetts, a member of the high-flying first team. "We've got a massive weekend coming up but we're really looking forward to it.

"Both games will be tough because Walkden are a very good side, but if we can bowl well, we have a strong batting line-up and will fancy our chances."

Willetts' confidence in Greenmount's batting strength is fully justified with three of their players in the top six of the League averages.

Prolific openers Andy Kerr and Ashar Zaidi have both scored more than 700 runs each, while captain John Ashworth, who is currently on holiday and will miss both matches this weekend, has struck nearly 400 runs at an average of 96.

But it is the Bury club's ability to bat right down to 11 that has been one of the major reasons behind their success this year.

"We bat all the way down the order," the chairman added. "Simon Woolford, Brett Bailey and Martin Kay - all players under 20, have made valuable contributions all season.

"Sunday's Lancashire Knockout win against Farnworth Social Circle was a classic example. Chasing 124, we were in trouble at 45-6 before Simon and Brett turned things round with a partnership of 50 to help us home."

That victory set up a home semi-final showdown with League rivals Tonge on Sunday, August 12 - with a place up for grabs against Merseyside giants Bootle or Central Lancashire League club, Heywood, at Liverpool.

But, for now, Greenmount's attentions turn to Sunday - the Bury's outfit's sixth final appearance in eight years - and avenging last term's disappointment.

"We have a great record of reaching the final but not actually winning it. We lost to Tonge last season and have not won it since 2003.

"And we haven't won the League title since 1988, so we're long overdue some silverware.

"Obviously not having John Ashworth available this weekend will be a big blow, but there is a great spirit in the team, which is full of local lads who have come through the club."

One player who could ensure Greenmount are not left empty-handed for a fourth campaign in a row is professional Zaidi.

The 26-year-old Indian all-rounder, who is in his first season with the club, has been in superb form with bat and ball, and Willetts has been impressed with his contribution on and off the pitch "He's done very well," he said of the 25-year-old who took over as pro after Usman Tariq left for Central Lancashire League rivals Radcliffe. "He's stepped into his shoes admirably," said Willetts.

"He's done well with the bat, taken a few more wickets and been a great help with the kids." And, with Greenmount's second team through to the Birtwistle Cup final and the thirds through to the Hodson Cup final, the club could have plenty to shout about come the end of the season.