EARLESTOWN'S good start to the season continued when Hindley were this week's visitors.

The toss was won by the Wiganers, who elected to bowl. After losing G Davison early, J. Allan (32) and F. Suriya (12) steadied the innings before losing the young Kenyan to an excellent catch.

J. Maclaren (25) impressed in the middle order, Mr Reliable D. Ashton (17) and S. Bridgett (9) combined well in the tail and finished the innings on 117-9.

In reply Hindley were rocked by three devastating overs by P. Jay, as over half the team's batsmen were sent back to the pavilion with only two on the board.

Paul Jay finished with 5-10 including a completed hat-trick. B Williams (2-3) steady at the other end allowed youngster S Bridgett (1-19) on for some valuable experience. J Barron wrapped up the innings, the visitors finishing on 33.

The Sunday team went to Liverpool and were beaten by a much older Arriva team.

The home side batted first and scored 181, good bowling from L. Lomas and B. Eccleston keeping the batsmen occupied.

In reply, good early bowling meant the total was always beyond the reach of the youngsters and it was left to J. Arnold (22) and S. Melling (23) to see the innings to a close. Earlestown finishing on 100-5. Both games kindly sponsored by Newton Blinds.