It was an excellent opening day of the season for Bacup with victories for all three teams.
A large crowd on a sun drenched day witnessed an encouraging performance by Bacup at Lanehead against Littleborough, who elected to bat first, making 176 for 8 from their 50 overs. Keeper Matt Hernon made 30, former professional Clint Perren a patient 43 and professional Travis Townsend 57 not out. However, it was an excellent all round bowling and fielding performance which limited the opposition to that score on a good looking pitch. Bacup's new professional, Sri Lankan Sachithra Serasinghe, made a favourable impression taking 3 for 32 from his 15 overs with Matt Aspinall chipping in with 2 for 24 and Liam Naylor 2 for 35.
Bacup made a good start to their run chase with Simon Newbitt soon getting into his stride making a fluent 42. However, the introduction of Townsend into the attack soon had Bacup in trouble at 80 for 4. At this point skipper Aaron Fielding and Matt Thompson compiled a match winning partnership of 80. Thompson made his 50 in just 51 balls whilst Fielding was equally impressive rotating the strike. Thompson departed for 56 whilst Fielding saw his side home on 34 not out with more than 5 overs to spare. Bacup gained 10 points and Littleborough 1.
Over at Littleborough meanwhile, the second eleven bowled out the opposition for 132. Sam Harris picked up 3 wickets and George Sumner 2, but the star of the show was Josh Holt who picked up 5 for 22 with his off spin.
Bacup were struggling a little in reply, but a fine innings of 49 from skipper John Syers swung things Bacup's way. Knights and Shepherd saw their team home for a four wicket win with Bacup claiming all twelve points and Littleborough 2.
The third eleven won their game, quite convincingly in the end, at Clitheroe. Bacup amassed 236 for 5 with Luke Donovan making an excellent 92 and Tom Sumner again in the runs with 44. Bacup's bowling was far from their best and Barnes threatened to win the match on his own, before an excellent catch from Josh Holt, who ended his innings for 94. Holt then mopped up the tail taking 4 for 8 to dismiss Clitheroe for 172 with Bacup picking up all twelve points