2NDS BEAT ELPM WHILE 1STS WIN BY FORFEIT

The first maintained their 100% record as Blackley forfeited Saturday's fixture, unable to raise a team. The boys travel to East Lancs next week hoping to maintain their unbeaten start, while the hosts will be looking to bounce back after an unexpected defeat at Elton.

The 2nds meanwhile got their Division 5 campaign back on track with a big win against ELPM, which owed much in part to two great innings taking us to an excellent 273-6, and also to the hosts' generosity in spilling quite a few catches. A full match scorecard is online at CricHQ.

We're hoping one of the 2s will put together a report, but in brief highlights included a rapid 91 for Mahmood, who is now averaging 73 from 2 games and surely pushing for a 1sts spot next week, 73 from Danny Ash, a six-laden 33 from Adrian and a solid opening partnership from Ry Marsh and Danielle, who is also in a good run of form. Katie Schofield continued her good performances with the ball, while Matt Bradshaw and Roshi put together tidy spells. Wickets for Ry Marsh, Moody and Danielle secured a victory by 117 runs, although solid late resistance from Josh Kobryn (32*) and Birtwistle (27*) meant we couldn't secure the bonus point.

With plenty of players in form and an additional 4 or 5 key performers missing through injury and unavailability, the overall squad is looking much stronger now.