MATT Parkinson has discovered a rich vein of runs this season and the reason for that could lie Down Under.

The 24-years-old Walkden all rounder spent the winter playing for South Australian side Belmont in Newcastle and although he batted down the order at number eight, the sunshine climate helped him improve his game in the nets.

"The weather was so good that we were netting something like twice a week and that must have improved my game. The club is the one where Steve Clarkson, who used to be at Walkden, plays and former Little Lever and Egerton pro Stuart Storey is the coach and both were a great help.

"Even so I had a good season with the bat at Walkden last year, finishing with an average of 37.9 but I must admit it has gone better up to now."

To date Parkinson's five Bolton League innings have seen him amass 260 runs - as against his season's total of 455 last year - but more importantly he has only been dismissed once.

The run started on a low note when he made only six not out against Farnworth Social Circle but then again he only had two overs at the crease.

After that he wasted little time in getting the scoreboard moving. His next score was 94 not out against Westhoughton and after that came innings of 66 not out against Tonge and another of 48 not out. Sandwiched in between those impressive scores was his only dismissal to date, against Egerton, but he still managed to score 46 before being bowled.

"It has gone well and hopefully it will continue," he said, "although my bowling has suffered a bit.

"I've changed my action a little this season. Our professional Douglas Watson is helping me to get my arm higher and a little straighter but it seems to be getting better now and hopefully I'll start to pick up some wickets."

Success with the ball would certainly benefit the champions, who it is thought are a bowler short. But that is an idea that Parkinson quickily dismisses.

"Andy Ingham is bowling well and John Smith is as fast and as accurate as he ever was. Bernard Reidy bowls consistently well and then you've got Dave Smith and myself. That's five bowlers and I don't think it is a bad line-up at all."