THE new season is up and running and already the professional's are making their mark.

In the Ribblesdale league, Northern's Club professional Ata-Ur Rehman took four wickets and newcomer Farooq Butt also put in a spirited display after joining the club from the Bradford League this winter.

Cherry Tree's professional Naeem Ashraf is playing his sixth season for the side this year. He was in fine form against Barnoldswick taking 5-59. Despite that Cherry Tree were all out for a meagre 74 needing 137 to win.

Padiham's Quasim Ali hit 51 against Read and also finished with figures of 3-22. He followed that up with a stirring perfomance against Baxenden. He finished the day with 5 for 9 runs. His 49 helped Padiham ease past Earby in the Jennings Ramsbottom Cup recently.

Read's Akram Raza helped his side overcome Oswadtwistle with an unbeaten 89. Great Harwood's professional Farhan Adil has had a slow start to season in the league. He got into double figures for the first time against Edenfield. However, in the cup he hit 36 against Baxenden who could only reach 101 chasing 150. Great Harwood now go through to play Read in the next round.

Great Harwood finished runners- up to Cherry Tree last season but so far this season both trail front runners, Barnoldswick.

In the Northern league, Chorley's Steven John, took 4-42 against Fleetwood but couldn't stop his side going down. A week earlier his 5 for 14 helped bowl out Leyland DAF for 60.