A YOUTHFUL Bury YWCA side made a promising start to their new league campaign despite falling to a 48-44 defeat at home to Tameside.

The Bury Grammar School-based team kicked off the North West Regional League Premier Division season with a new-look starting line-up.

But player coach Jenny Cross said they handled the first test very well.

"This year sees some of the younger players in the club making a step up into the senior team," she said.

"This game proved to be a learning curve with the Bury girls playing new combinations throughout.

"Despite the disappointment of the four-point defeat, there was an excellent debut for upcoming England star Lois Pearson in the centre court.

"And Tyrene Karim earned player of the match for her determined defensive efforts."

There was nothing between the two sides at half time with the score level at 24-24.

But after a well-contested second half Tameside just got the upper hand in the closing stages, opening up a narrow lead that Bury were unable to bridge.

They will look to re-group for their first away fixture of the season at Blackpool on Saturday.

Blackpool are joint top with Oldham after winning their opening match 62-30 at LSA Netball.