TONGE equalled their entire last season’s win total in their second game this term with victory at home to Little Lever on Saturday.

Professional Tilaksha Malshan (5-33) and Connor Lord (4-37) starred with the ball as the Victory Road side were bowled out for 73.

Simon Anderton top scored with the bat with 15.

Adil Nisar tried his best to halt any Tonge response bowling 5-25 but as the hosts were about to reach their reduced target of 61, Little Lever withdrew handing their hosts the win on run-rate.

Second-team graduate Jack Smith, aged 17, was the main batsman for Tonge hitting 18 not out – drawing praise from his captain Danny Delvard.

“The matchwinner was probably Jack Smith in the end,” Delvard said. “We promoted him from the second team against Little Hulton last week and he did well so we gave him a shot again.

“He wasn’t pulling out any trees in the second team but his attitude and commitment is fantastic and he showed that with a top score of 18 not out on Saturday.

“It was a strange game really. Both sides really wanted to bowl first, the advantage lied with whoever was batting second because of the wicket.

“It was poor batting really when you look at the scores of both sides but they came off with us needing one run which was strange really.”

Tonge’s first win of the season lifts them up to sixth in the table – a view which pleases so many at a club which has struggled a lot in recent years.

Delvard added: “I know it’s only early but when you look at the standings it makes for good viewing if you’re associated with Tonge.

“Last year we only one won game all season and we have already won one in the Peter Stafford Trophy and one in the league this year.

“Cameron Lucas came over from Australia but has hardly had a bowl because of the form of Tilaksha (Malshan) and Connor (Lord).

“Him and Connor are really impressing with the ball. We have got lots of healthy competition at the moment which is pleasing for me.”