BLACKPOOL got their Vaux Northern League Division One season off to a winning start when defeating Leyland DAF by five wickets at Stanley Park on Saturday (April 24).

Batting first, DAF made only 143-6 from their 50 overs with Worcestershire recruit Duncan Catterall top scoring with 85 not out and Blackpool professional Marcus Sharp, continuing last season's good form, taking 5-44.

In reply, Robin Bracewell anchored Blackpool's innings and was still there when Blackpool reached 147-5, with 54 not out made from 181 balls with seven fours.

He was ably supported by Blackpool's new recruit Gavin Armstrong who made 35 and Pat Newell who very quickly acquired 20 not out.

And on Sunday at Stanley Park, Blackpool progressed to the second round of the National Knockout competition by defeating Bolton-based Egerton by five wickets. Egerton made 150-5 from their 45 overs, with father and son partnership Kevin and Stuart Hornby providing 31 and 55 not out respectively.

Blackpool paced their reply to perfection and with three overs and two balls remaining reached their target of 151 with David Bartholomew providing the fireworks at the end with a quick-fire 28 not out, two sixes and two fours, from only 23 balls.

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