WALSHAW know they can afford no slips this weekend if they are to retain their Bolton Associaation title.

On Saturday they go to current leaders Elton for a match that is being billed as the "Battle of Bury".

Elton are certainly in the driving seat as they hold a 30-point lead over Darcy Lever, who last week took over Walshaw's second place by inflicting on them a 39-run defeat.

That saw the champions stuck in fifth place. a massive 59 points behind their rivals, and chairman Keith Harris admits that the outcome of tomorrow's game is crucial to their season.

"It's a must-win game for us," he said. "If we don't, then we must, at least, get a winning draw, but really that isn't good enough for us.

"I know we are in the Cross Cup final but if we lose tomorrow, then I think it would be the end of the season for us in terms of the championship."

A major blow to Walshaw's hopes this season has been the absence of captain, opening bat and wicketkeeper Anthony Harris, who has been ruled out for most of the season with a hand injury.

Andy Caunce has proved a capable deputy behind the stumps, but Harris' contribution with the bat has been sorely missed.

Walshaw's defeat by Darcy Lever, underlined the Hacken Lane side's emergence this season, and Darcy chairman Jim Fawcett was quick to praise the contribution of pro Devendra Bundela.

As he watched the pro put Adlington to the sword last week, he said: "He has made a tremendous difference to us. He is a superb bat. He times and places his shots to perfection, and his bowling has been a real bonus for usl."

Bundela hit 64 not out in thde 73-run win at Adlington as well as claiming bowling figures of 6-56.

And if that wasn't enough, he faced Walshaw the following day, and scored an unbeaten century before going on to pick up another six wickets.

"When he plays like that, he is an absolute joy to watch," said Jim Fawcett.