’Houses off to a flyer

AMBITIOUS Woodhouses made a winning start in their quest for Lees Brewery Lancashire County League honours.

After bowling out hosts Dukinfield for 97, new signing Sam Sweeney taking five for 26, they knocked off the runs without loss.

Woodhouses captain Mike Cassidy, who scored an undefeated 65 in the successful run chase, said: “It was a fantastic way to get the season under way.

“We lost the toss but as it turned out, bowling first worked in our favour.

“I think that might be our plan from now on. We can put teams under pressure early on with our seam attack and, if successful, try to capitalise with the bat.

“I was very impressed with how all of the new arrivals performed.

“Sam was disappointed not to open, but he bowled first change and did brilliantly.

“Obviously it’s a shame Josh Tolley didn’t get a chance to bat. He was in at number three, but we didn’t lose any wickets.”

Cassidy, who expects Denton West and Denton St Lawrence to be Woodhouses’ main rivals this season, added: “We intend to be up there challenging, but I’m sure there are plenty of twists and turns to come.”

Woodhouses host Woodbank in the league on Saturday before Sunday’s National Village Cup clash with Warton.