BARNOLDSWICK'S new free-swinging professional, Bruce Hara, has found the secret to success in the Vaux Ribblesdale League.

It was passed on to him by his predecessor at Victory Park, fellow Australian James Peterson, who last season recorded a League record 203 not out against Oswaldtwistle Immanuel and amassed the third highest aggregate in League history, 1331.

"James told me that the secret to success on a Saturday is a good Friday night out," said the likeable 21-year-old.

"So we had!"

This philosophy worked a treat last weekend when Hara amassed an unbeaten 108 not out against Padiham.

And when asked if the same method would be in operation before tomorrow's game against Blackburn Northern, he replied: "Why not?"

Why not indeed - at this rate he'll have passed Peterson's total halfway through the season and Jack Nicholson's threshold for having a good time within the next month.

That is not to say that he's not here to take his Cricket seriously - quite the opposite is true.

He served up 108 reminders of that last Saturday. But if he can have a good time along the way, so much the better.

His enjoyment of the time he spends here will be dramatically increased if Barnoldswick go one better than last season and end up with some silverware.

Beaten finalists in the Ramsbottom Cup to Read, they pushed hard for the title until the final few games, finally occupying fourth spot.

In the close season a number of batsmen have departed.

But the top three remains strong with Ian Scothern and Justin Manville opening the batting and Hara at three.

"We've lost a few batsmen so it's good to have a solid, experienced pairing up front," said Hara.

"There may be added pressure on the three of us but Ian and Justin can handle that.

"And I think the added responsibility will improve my game.

"Not only will it benefit me cricket-wise but I think it will mentally-wise as well.

"There has to be a certain maturity there for you to deal with it."

Part of that experience is leaving his home for the first time.

Home is Canberra where he plays for Western District in the ACT Cricket Association.

For the last two years he has also been studying for a degree in sports science.

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