UNSWORTH and Elton made a poor start to their Central Lancashire Cricket League seasons, losing comfortably to Walsden and Middleton respectively.

Premier side Unsworth were beaten soundly by 163 runs.

The Dragons won the toss and elected to field first, but it turned out to be a poor decision as Walsden hit 275-5, with Nick Barker recording a spectacular 100 not-out and Stevie Barker and Joe Gale finishing with 68.

Jack O’Brien did his utmost to keep the Walsden total down by taking five wickets, but despite his best efforts they were still able to have a big innings.

Unsworth rarely looked like catching the total set by Walsden, with the highlight being amateur Jeff Keyt’s 29 runs, but it was not enough as they were bowled out for 112 off 30 overs.

Elsewhere, in the Championship, Elton made a closer contest of their game, but Middleton’s 179 helped by opener George Walker’s 73 including 11 boundaries, proved to be just too much for Elton, who ended with 115 all-out.

Chris Barlow had a team-high 27 runs for Elton but three ducks ultimately cost the team in the end.

Radcliffe were more fortunate in their match, with professional Anwar Ul-Haq hitting an impressive 84 against Oldham.

The batsman also took two wickets in what was an accomplished performance.