GREENMOUNT bowler Mark Stewart is just 60 wickets away from breaking the all-time Bolton League wicket-taking record following an impressive display in his side’s 15-run win against Kearsley on Saturday.

The club stalwart's haul of 4–37 took him past his 1500th career wicket in the 33-over rain-restricted encounter, a stat which has impressed captain Andy Kerr.

"To hit that magic number shows how consistent and reliable Mark has been for us over the years," he said.

"I was playing alongside him when he got his 1000th wicket and was with him again when he got his 1500th.

"It's a great achievement and as long as he stays fit I've no doubt he will go on to get the record."

However, the Brandlesholme Road bowler was upstaged by Kearsley's Mohammed Jameel as he took 6-30 in just 14 overs – including two maidens.

Saeed Anwar Jnr took the remaining four wickets for 39 as Greenmount posted 100 all out, with Phil Heaton top-scoring with 20.

Thanks to impressive bowling from Stewart and Phil Ingham, who took 4-45, Kearsley were skittled for just 85 in reply.

"We were looking for a total of 140 or 150 but only managed to hit 100," said Kerr.

"Luckily the bowlers pulled it back for us, which was a really good effort."

With one win and one defeat from their opening two games, the Greenmount captain is confident he has a side good enough to challenge for top honours this season.

"Our ultimate aim is to compete for the title and Hamer Cup, and I believe we can do that," he said.

"We are not in the Lancashire Knockout this year, which is disappointing, so one of our key aims is to get back into that next season.

"We have to perform and get the results. So far we've not got going with the bat but with a bit more patience and a little more application we will come good."

Greenmount have a double header this weekend starting with a trip to Little Lever on Saturday, before their first home game of the season against Tonge on Sunday.

"It's definitely two games we would definitely be looking to win," said Kerr.

"Hopefully we can take the momentum from Saturday's success into those games and get back on track."