BOLTON Schools started the season with a hard earned ten-run victory over local rivals Bury at Kearsley Cricket Club.

The defending Lancashire champions made a solid start with opening batsman Paul Atherton, 28, and James Crawforth, 24, putting on 57 for the first wicket.

Tim Barrow, 27, made a positive contribution but with his dismissal Bolton lost their way, finishing on 120-9.

John Pemberton's 2-29 was the pick of the Bury bowling from his ten overs. Bury were struggling at 4-2 but hard hitting John Pemberton, 50, gave them a fighting chance.

Against tight Bolton bowling they finished on 110-9. Tim Barrow 3-32, John Mulligan 3-23, Shaun Fairbrother 2-19 and Chris Barrow, 1-27, were Bolton's wicket takers.

Bolton's next match is on Friday at Walkden Cricket Club against Salford.

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