BOLTON Schools had a successful start to the season beating Bury Schools by 26 runs at Kearsley CC.

Electing to bat, Bolton were soon in trouble, losing captain Tom Liversedge in the first over. A stand of 80 between Patrick Gallagher and James Hill pushed the Bolton score to respectability. Gallagher was out for 26.

Hill was joined by Matthew Fray who put on 40 for the third wicket. Bolton finishing on 123 for three. James Hill making 53 not out.

Bury started slowly, but Walker 14 and Hamnett 40 at one stage looked as though Bury would reach the Bolton total. With their dismissal, Bury collapsed and finished their innings on 97 for 8.

Usman Hussain 4 for 23, Craig Dooley 3 for 23, Tom Fairclough 1 for 23 were the Bolton wicket takers.

Bolton travel to Irlam CC on Friday to play Salford Schools.