MATTHEW Smalley took 6-27 and Mark Robinson scored 54 not out as East Lancashire Paper Mill got their first win of the season on Saturday.

After two defeats in the Greater Manchester League Division Two A, the Radcliffe side enjoyed a four-wicket victory away to Clifton second team.

Chasing 129, Paul Hewart’s side knocked off the winning runs in 28.4 overs after a nervy period on the way.

“We set off well, putting on 33 for the first wicket with Martyn Coates scoring 14,” said captain Hewart.

“We went along steadily but also losing wickets at fairly regular intervals

“33-1 soon became 82-5 and there was a bit of squeaky bum time, but a stand of 34 got us virtually to the line.

“Louis Birmingham was the sixth wicket to fall for 12, but the star of the batting line-up was opener Mark Robinson who batted sensibly and carried his bat for 53.”

Summing up the Clifton innings, Hewart added: “After I lost the toss again, Clifton surprisingly elected to bat, and great opening spells from Matthew Smalley and Louis Birmingham soon had them in trouble at 17-4.

“There was some resistance in the middle order with a couple of their guys getting 40 odds.

“Smalley and Birmingham then rotated from one end whilst Si Carr, making his first appearance of the season for the first 11, bowled very tightly at the other end, finishing with 2-40 off his 10.2 overs.

“Smalley then returned to finish off the tail.

“Our season has finally started. We’re up and running and now look forward to a trip to Elton Vale on Saturday.”