IT could hardly have been a better start to the season for Tonge.

After opening-day Peter Stafford Trophy wins for the first and second teams against Adlington on Saturday, they were handed a place in the ECB Knockout Cup’s second round when Littleborough conceded yesterday’s first-round tie.

But, speak to captain Danny Delvard about the positivity surrounding the Castle Hill club at present and you get the feeling they would have fancied beating the Lancashire League side fair and square anyway.

“Last year we won seven games – six in the league and one in the cup – and that was progress for us,” said Delvard after a few difficult summers down Crompton Way.

“We’ve retained all of our players from last year and signed a handful of lads who weren’t available on Saturday across both teams. We’ve all been working hard. We’ve got the club financially stable and strengthened the playing side. Our next step is to be competitive again like we were last year.

“We know where our strengths and weaknesses lie. If we can improve our batting, that will make us a good unit because I believe our bowling is as good as anybody’s. We’ve worked hard on culture at the club over the last two years, from players to the presentation of the ground and on the commercial side. We have got a very good team spirit, and that culture is one of positivity.

“If we can be competitive and no longer roll over and have our bellies tickled it puts us in a better position.”

Tonge firsts did anything but roll over on Saturday in their Pool Two clash at Adlington, winning a low-scoring affair by 26 runs, having bowled the hosts out for 85 in pursuit of 112.

Sri Lankan professional Tilaksha Malshan top-scored with 34: “Tilly was going quite well, but he was run out by our overseas Cameron Lucas with his first ball,” chuckled Delvard.

“I asked the boys to use it as valuable batting time because we’d all be rusty.

“But we felt quite comfortable. We had a period of uncertainty where five, six and seven fell cheaply, and it went a bit wrong for us. But I’ve every confidence in the bowlers. They did the job.”

Seamer Alex Rodzoch led the way with 5-17 from eight overs. He had earlier hit a useful 21.

“Alex is a Tonge boy,” said Delvard. “He had a really good game, I was pleased for him because he’s a very talented player.

“They were five important wickets at a crucial stage, given we were defending a low total.

“We are lucky to have someone like him, who complements the pro and overseas. But we win and lose together.”

Tonge open their Association division campaign on Saturday at relegated Heaton.

Delvard added: “This puts us on the front foot. But I’m acutely aware you can soon be knocked off your perch. We’ll not get giddy yet.”