PROFESSIONAL Dexter Fitton believes Clitheroe still have a lot to do to bring the Jennings Ribblesdale League title back to Chatburn Road for the first time since 1994.

But he and the team couldn't have made a better start to their campaign as they defied the odds to take maximum points against Baxenden on the opening day.

Fitton top-scored with an unbeaten 79 as the home side reached 149-8, sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 112 with Simon Coulter.

Baxenden were then on course for victory when new professional Jonathan Harvey and David Usher put on 72 for the first wicket before Fixton and spin-twin Neil Bibby got to work to claim all 10 wickets, including the last off the final ball.

"We had to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the end but in the first game on a damp one we were just pleased to get the win," said Fitton.

"Their opening pair were going well but we knew that it was going to be hard coming in on a soft surface.

"We managed to tighten it up with the spinners, which we did for most of last year, and it was Neil Bibby who made the major breakthrough. He got five of the first six to do the major damage and then I cleaned up."

Fitton finished second in the league bowling averages last summer thanks to his 73-wicket haul.

However, the former Lancashire left-armer under-achieved with the bat and was delighted to set about putting that record straight with a first-day half-century.

"It was very pleasing from a personal point of view," he added. "After the standards I set myself I was disappointed with my overall contribution with the bat. Perhaps it was a bit bowler friendly but I would like to do better this time.

"In the Central Lancashire League I always scored heavily on dry and quicker pitches. They are softer here so it's hard to guage a figure but I'm willing a good summer because I'd like to have a good go on the Clitheroe pitch when it's hardened up, because it's batter-friendly."

Naturally, Fitton's contribution will be pivotal to Clitheroe's prospects and while the title might be a long-shot, he is expecting to be among the chasing pack.

He said: "We've got a lot of improvement to make to be genuine challengers, especially in the seamer department, although we've got Mick Dewhurst back from injury and if he comes to the party we will be better balanced.

"We finished sixth last season and anything there or lower will be failure. We've got to get into the top four.

"I'm optimistic but there are one or two other teams, starting with Cherry Tree on Saturday, who we've got to show our mettle against.

"Where we finished last season was realistic with what happened but we've had a few changes. We've got a new captain and one or two new players and it's all down to me to perform with the lads backing me up up with commitment and contributions. If that happens we should be in for a good summer."