EAST Lancashire Paper Mill captain Paul Hewart had no complaints after his side lost by six wickets to Elton on Saturday.

It made it two defeats out of two for the season in the Greater Manchester League Division Two A with the positives coming from the bat of opener Martin Coates – who scored 22 – and the bowling of Louis Birmingham and Adam Sajewicz.

ELPM posted 96 which the visiting Bury side knocked off in 31.2 overs.

Hewart said: "It was another disappointing performance.

"Having lost the toss again Elton elected to field.

"We got off to a quick start but 26-0 soon became 44-5.

"Elton bowled well on a very bowler-friendly pitch, but nobody really applied themselves or tried to bat time which was frustrating.

"Ian Wade and Matthew Partington got quickfire 15s and I hung around for 30-odd balls but we ended up 96 off just 28.1 overs.

"If we could just bat our allotted overs...

"We bowled well but the wicket was drying out so it became a little easier to bat on.

"A couple of early chances went begging which you can’t afford at this level.

"Louis Birmingham took 3-20 off six overs, and Adam Sajewicz bowled very well on debut and was unlucky not to get any wickets, finishing with 6-0-13-0.

"I also finished on 6-3-5-0 and the final wicket was taken by Matthew Partington 1-20.

"Elton played the situation well and apart from a couple of chances never looked in too much trouble so fair play to them.."

This Saturday ELPM travel to Clifton second team while Radcliffe, whose home game against Deane and Derby on Saturday was abandoned, are away at Ashton in Division Two B.