AFTER spearheading Unsworth to their first victory of the season, delighted vice-captain Chris Long believes the Premier Division side flourished under the underdogs label against Littleborough on Saturday.

Half centuries from overseas amateur Jeff Keyt and Long led the Dragons to a 51-run win at Pole Lane.

Keyt top-scored with 80 and Long also hit 75 as the hosts totalled 223 for the loss of just four wickets.

Professional Chris Williams was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-42, including seven maidens from his 19 overs, as Littleborough could only manage 172 in reply.

Having so far struggled to make an impact in their first campaign in the Premier Division, a surprised Long was pleased the Dragons had finally found their run-scoring form against a team who finished in third place last season.

"It was an unexpected victory," he said.

"We've been waiting for a couple of guys to find their form with the bat on the same day and it happened on Saturday.

"We know we've got a good bowling unit, so if we can set a good enough target we know we are capable of a win.

"Maybe it helped that we were not really expected to win.

"I think the underdog tag fired us up a little and gave us that extra bit of determination."

The Dragons, who despite the victory remain bottom of the Central Lancashire League table with nine points from their opening six games, entertain defending champions Norden on Saturday, and Long is expecting another tough test.

"They won all three competitions last year so we know it will be difficult but we are at home and will be aiming to pull off another upset," he said.