LOSTOCK have been a big story off the pitch for the last couple of years as they build an impressive new home.

But the team have begun the season looking like they could be about to write the headlines for their achievements on it.

They have won three and lost three of their opening six matches in the Bolton Association and last weekend took the prized scalp of Atherton – runners-up last season and champions the year before – with a three-wicket win away from home.

Playing away from Lostock is nothing new to them, of course.

They have played their home games at Haydock since leaving Bolton Association more than a decade ago.

But were put in place when rejoining the league last season to end their exile and building work on their impressive new ground is now nearing completion.

Last weekend’s win at Atherton will have raised a few eyebrows among followers of the Association.

It was Lostock’s first against the Eckersley Fold men since 1997 although they possibly made hard work of it after getting the home side all out for 82.

Pro Simon Hanson took 5-21 and Tom Sheen 4-35 as Atherton – who had won four of their previous five games – could not get going.

What should have been a straightforward task suddenly looked in danger of becoming a missed opportunity as Lostock fell to 49-7 in reply.

But Tom Senior (14 not out) and Tom Gregory (11 not out) came together to save the day.

They will be looking to build on that at bottom club Darcy Lever tomorrow.

But, however they fare, Lostock are confident they are going in the right direction on and off the field.

This season they have retained the support of club sponsor Turley, and secured three-year deals with local accountancy firm Barlow Andrews as kit sponsor and Serious Cricket as new kit supplier.

Captain Geoff Earle said: “We’ve some exciting additions to the squad this season, which we are already seeing the fruits of including former Farnworth batsman Matthew Leach, left arm bowler Nick Bennett and professional Simon Hanson.

“All of them are contributing to the squad and improving competition within it.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to bring in former player Adam Sydall as our senior coach. He has played at a very high level and already we are benefitting from his experience.

“The commitment, energy and enthusiasm of the squad is fantastic and yet we retain our core of homegrown talent.

“Well over 50 per cent of our senior squad have come through the ranks at Lostock and that is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Earle has taken on an expanded role which gives him responsibility for the whole senior squad.

He added: “There is lots of activity off the field as well as on it.”

The club will hold its inaugural Hall of Fame dinner at the Holiday Inn in Bolton town centre on Friday, June 12.

Danny Cockton, who has been appointed chairman of the cricket club, said: “We have an incredibly exciting future ahead of us, one that is now getting closer and closer to our grasp.

“Along with the opportunity comes a huge amount of responsibility.

"There are lots of clubs who would love to have such a chance as we do, so our responsibility is that we ensure our wonderful club continues to grow, thrive and be successful for the next generations.

“Our dinner in June is to say thank you, recognise and pay tribute to those who have enabled us to have this incredible opportunity.”

Tickets for the dinner are priced at £35.00 per person for drinks reception, three-course dinner and half a bottle of wine.

For further details, visit www.lostock.play-cricket.com. The website also includes information about junior cricket nets, which are held on Tuesday evenings at Bolton School.

Fixtures

Tomorrow

Bolton Association: Adlington v Swinton Moorside, Astley and Tyldesley v Blackrod, Daisy Hill v Walshaw, Darcy Lever v Lostock, Flixton v Winton, Little Hulton v Edgworth, Standish v Atherton, Westleigh v Bury, Worsley v Golborne.

Sunday

Cross Cup: Astley and Tyldesley v Blackrod, Bury v Little Hulton, Daisy Hill v Flixton, Darcy Lever v Golborne, Edgworth v Adlington, Lostock v Swinton Moorside, Walshaw v Standish, Winton v Westleigh.