ADLINGTON and Blackrod did the new Cross Cup competition justice by fielding full-strength teams for its inaugural game on Sunday.

The oldest cup competition in Lancashire – which started in 1889 – has been restored this season by volunteers outside of the county cricket board governance.

The Cross Cup was not played for last year after the league that ran it, the Bolton and District Cricket Association, entered a period of suspension following the 2015 season after losing all its clubs to other leagues.

It has been revived this season thanks to the efforts of Association stalwart and umpire Eric Hogg helped by members of the Association’s suspension committee.

Fifteen former Association clubs have entered and a good crowd of around 150 saw hosts Adlington beat local rivals Blackrod by five wickets in perfect sunny conditions.

Mr Hogg said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start.

“The weather was kind to us and the two teams put out strong sides.

“It was a competitive game and there wasn’t a wrong word said by either team which is the way cricket should be played.”

Danny Robinson top scored for Blackrod with a patient 36 as the visitors posted 124.

A key point came when Adlington got visiting pro Thushendra de Zoysa out for 18 and Joe Speak got injured while batting on 11 not out.

He returned to score 19 but was unable to bowl.

Adlington pro Majid Majeed took 3-15 off his nine overs in the 45-over game with two wickets each for Ben King, Jack Shovelton and Andrew Leyland.

Adlington made a stuttering start with 2-1, 26-2, 41-3 – when Majeed was out for a duck – then 51-4 before Iain Critchley took control with 66 not out including seven fours and two sixes.

His partnership with Shovelton (25) saw them home. Adlington play Edgworth in the quarter-final, which must be played by July 23.

The second game in the competition takes place on Sunday when Flixton host Elton.