Walkden are steeling themselves for a crack at the treble.

Not only are the Bolton League champions looking to retain their title but they also have their sights set on the Hamer Cup and the Thwaites Lancashire Knockout as well.

Last weekend they took two major steps towards their objective when they beat Chorley to reach the semi-finals of the Thwaites competition while for the first time this season, they also went top of the league - yet the club is taking nothing for granted.

"We know there's still a lot of hard work to do to win just one of those competitions, never mind two or three," said Walkden paceman John Smith.

"The league looks as if it will go the distance, we face two top teams either Netherfield or Bootle in the knockout and we've got to get past Westhoughton to reach the Hamer final.

"None of that will be easy," he said.

Just to underline the point, Smith looked back at last Saturday's game against Tonge when, after looking as if they were in a position to win the game, they finished up fighting to save it.

At one point they had Tonge all but down and out at 84-7 and although the Castle Hill club recovered to reach 153 it still looked odds on a Walkden win.

Yet in the end the champions had to survive the last five overs with the last pair at the wicket and Smith was grateful his side got away with it.

"Tonge are always hard to beat and Ian Taylor is a good bowler and we know they will be pushing us all the way."

Kearsley, who finished runners-up to Walkden last year, are also hitting top form and could also prove a handful for the leaders tomorrow when the two teams meet at Springfield Road.

Kearsley could also be an obstacle in Walkden's hunt for the other two elements of the treble, the Thwaites Knockout and Hamer Cup. They too are through to the semi-finals of both competitions and play either Ormskirk or Prestwich in the Thwaites and Greenmount in the Hamer.

Smith obviously would love to win all three competitions but if it were to be only one then he is really spoilt for choice.

"I suppose the League title is the one I would want to win more than the others because it is about what you have done and achieved over the whole season.

"But I've only played in one Hamer Cup final and one Knockout final and wouldn't mind apperaing in either of those again."

Certainly the side has made a name for itself in the knockout, especially after crushing Northern League side Cholrley last week.

Walkden reached 202 with pro Douglas Watson 72 and Phil Ingram 38 not out then dismissed the home side for only 135 as Mike Bennison, John Smith, Ingram and Bernard Reidy each took two wickets.

"We played well and really did not give them much of a chance but it was a difficult pitch to play on. We had to work hard to score our runs."

Now in the last four Walkden do not fear any opposition although will obviously repect them.

"We are confident and have a lot of belief in ourseleves but we are certainly taking nothing for granted.

"The hard work has still to be done but we are not afraid of doing that," he said.