NEW Greenmount captain Andy Bowker says Saturday’s opening-day Premier Division win at Edgworth proved his side is learning from past mistakes and can make a significant impression on the GMCL’s top flight this summer.

A clash of the newly-promoted sides – Greenmount came up from Division One as champions and Edgworth in fourth – went the Bury side’s way by eight wickets chasing 142.

Fast bowling debutant Adil Mustafa, a winter recruit alongside returning Ryan Senior from Bamford Fieldhouse, starred with 7-61 before Indian professional Kaustub Pawar opened with an unbeaten 75 in pursuit.

“I’d say it was reasonably comfortable,” said Bowker, who has taken over the captaincy from Phil Heaton – forced into retirement through injury.

“KP got runs. Any time your professional gets runs, it always makes it look more comfortable. 

“I don’t think we were in danger of losing, which is good because, historically, scores of 140 have been a struggle for us to chase down.

"There was a case in point at Stretford last year when we were 120-1 with 20-25 overs left and ended up knocking them off nine down. 

“I think it’s just a change of mindset this year. We have a few new faces, and we’re trying to be more positive – look at it as a 40-over target and not 50.”

If Greenmount are to make a serious impression on the Premier Division after two yo-yo years, something Bowker is confident of, they are going to have to maintain Saturday’s ruthless approach.

“We’ve had a very interrupted start with not being able to get outside. We haven’t had a friendly. So to go straight into it first game, I’m very pleased to get one in the W column,” he said.

“They were short of a professional (Clyde Fortuin from South Africa, delayed due to visa problems) and Summit Panda. But you can only beat what’s in front of you. 

“Our first game back in the Premier Division, I couldn’t have asked for more. But there will be sterner tests to come. 

“There are some very good sides. Clifton put a marker down against Prestwich, and Prestwich are always a good side; Flixton, obviously as champions and The Dentons also look good again. 

“But, as it stands, we’re one from one with a bonus point.

“Much like everyone else, at the outset, I think we have a squad of 13 that is looking to win it. If we play to our ability most weeks, I think we’ll win more than we lose. That should get us somewhere near.

“But we’re very, very young this year. We worked out that we have an average age of 22.

“It’s interesting because I’ve played all my cricket with Mark Stewart and Phil Heaton and been comfortably one of the youngest. But I’m now the elder statesman. 

“That’s why lads like Adil and Ryan are important to us. Adil has come on Ryan’s recommendation and is in his early thirties. It’s about being game smart, which is what you need with young lads about.”