PACE sensation Allan Donald is already in the Rishton fast lane.

The quickest bowler in the world started Rishton's defence of the Marsden BS Lancashire League with maximum points and a four-wicket haul against Ramsbottom.

But the South African Test star promised Rishton fans he has more in the tank.

"I was bowling within myself to protect myself with the slippery footholds.

"It is going to be very hard bowling in these conditions especially with it being so slippy underfoot.

"But I am happy with my first performance and, as it gets a bit warmer, I will try and experiment and improve my own game.

"It is my first time in the leagues and I was surprised how involved the people are here."

Elsewhere, Colne's Aussie professional Ben Johnson top scored with 88 as his side beat Accrington and a number of players were among the early-season wickets. Jez Hope and Philip Mercer both took five as Lowerhouse overcame East Lancs and Todmorden professional David Marsh also taking 5-55 as his side squeezed home against Rawtenstall.

And at Bentgate Haslingden tied with Enfield in a dramatic game. In the Vaux Ribblesdale League, fancied Read started with a win, Pakistani professional Shaid Nawaz slamming a club record 152 from 102 balls.

And Edenfield professional Keith Roscoe took a sensational nine-wicket haul against Earby. But there was agony for Blackburn Northern's Richard Barnes who, having taken four Padiham wickets needed an operation yesterday after rupturing an Achilles tendon.

Padiham professional Jo Grant rescued his side with a quick 50 in a successful start to their defence.

Accrington were dismissed for an embarrassing 21 in a friendly against Central Lancashire League side Walkden on Saturday.

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