GOLBORNE have posted early notice that they will not be giving up their Vimto Bolton Association title easily.

The champions scored a nine-wicket success at Elton, mainly thanks to two of the players who made telling contributions to Golborne's success last season.

Ewan McCray and Andy Batterley carried on where they left off, McCray picking up six wickets as Elton collapsed from 70-2 to 110 all out, Batterley hitting 51 of Golborne's winning 111-1.

Karl Gorse brushed the cobwebs off the new season with an opening day century for Astley & Tyldesley.

His knock of 102 was enough to steer his side to 192-5 and, with new pro Scott Henderson producing the best bowling figures of the day at 7-35, opponents Standish were skittled for 95.

Gorse and Henderson, facing the bowling of Andy Cumbernach, who took a century of wickets last season, dug in to put on 78 before Hendo went lbw for 26. Skipper Simon Nicklin then took up the challenge, taking the score to 170.

Standish, in reply, lost wickets at regular intervals to fall well short of their target.

LEIGH began their season with a comprehensive six-wicket win at Sefton.

The home side had to settle at 171-8 declared, Greg Dimery taking 3-33 with doubles for Billy Banner and Phil Clarke.

Leigh, like Sefton, raced to 50 before Dimery went on 25 (including eight boundaries). Opening partner Steve Bailey was, however, in devastating form, cracking balls to all parts of the ground including a six to mid-wicket for his half-century.

He finally went on 68, skipper Dave Dove then steering the side in with an unbeaten 42 in a total of 173-4.

On Saturday Leigh are at home to Worsley.

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