CHORLEY 183/6 v FLEETWOOD 106 CHORLEY'S Northern League campaign got off to a flying start with a thumping fifteen point win at Fleetwood.

Solid contributions all down the order enabled Chorley to post a formidable 183/6 from their 60 overs.

Bannister and Patel got away to a brisk opening with Bannister in particular looking in excellent nick before being bowled for 36. The major contribution though came from Heaton who made a typically elegant 64 and shared a vital stand of 73 with the precocious Smith.

Chorley's final score looking eminently defendable, especially this early in the season.

Fleetwood's reply was quickly in big trouble. Marquet made the initial breakthrough bowling Dewhurst, before Patel removed Wright and the classy Clinning to reduce the home side to 13/3. Chorley were then held up by a stand of exactly 50 between Bracewell and professional Pryor before young leg spinner Cooke induced Bracewell to edge to senior Pryor on his debut, played well for his 55 but when he was caught behind off Patel the Fleetwood tail offered little resistance. Patel took the bowling honours with 5/27 off 14 overs, again demonstrating that few sides will have as potent an opening attack as Chorley's Marquet and Patel.

This weekend Chorley have two home games with a Fylde double. On Saturday Chorley entertain St Annes and on Sunday take on Lytham in the National Knockout.