MARRIAGE has failed to dilute the competitive juices in Chris Harris, writes BRIAN DOOGAN.

That was the stark message conveyed by the Kiwi at Acre Bottom after he and new wife Linda arrived to charm the Ramsbottom faithful.

A best of the day 59, which included five fours and two sixes, helped the 1996 Worsley Cup holders to a defiant start to their 1997 campaign.

And tM- hen his 5-53 ripped into the Accrington attack, reducing what at one time appeared to be a daring chase by the visitors into utter retreat.

The man himself was characteristically modest about his performance, preferring to stress the importance to his team that they got the season off to a good start.

"We have a very young side who are keen and willing and it is a boost to have got the result we wanted on the first day," said Harris before referring to the departure of former captain Jack Simpson and Steve Dearden who left in controversial circumstances to join Haslingden in the close season.

"They are obviously two very good players with a lot of experience in the Lancashire League. And they will be a loss. "But it can be overcome if we maintain our enthusiasm and our readiness to do well.

"That's certainly the mood in the dressing room.

"I believe that in three to four years' time we will have a tremendous amateur side at Rammy because so many young players are gaining invaluable experience.

"But, equally, there's nothing to stop us winning matches now and that's our aim."

Harris's urgency for Ramsbottom to get on the winning trail right away is no doubt due to his enforced absence from Acre Bottom in a few weeks.

He has been selected to play for New Zealand in India in a tournament that includes the hosts, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Nathan Astle, New Zealand's man of the series in the recent clashes against England, will also be there and his loss to Accrington during this period will be acute.

His initial foray into the Lancashire League was a good one as he claimed 3-61 and bladed a neat 56, prompting England scorer Malcolm Ashton, an interested spectator at yesterday's game, to insist he will be a star on the grounds of East Lancashire.

He certainly doesn't lack in dedication, for the moment abstaining from alcohol in an effort to achieve maximum fitness.

"I haven't come over for a holiday, I've come to benefit my career," he said.

"I had never bowled 23 overs in my life before but it went well.

"Holding Ramsbottom to 176 was an accomplishment but we gave away some wickets cheaply in our own innings."

Harris's dismissal of Paul Barratt, a questionable leg before decision, was the turning point after his half century and skipper Ian Bell's 52 had set the standard.

But Chris Hall contributed too, crucially getting Astle - another conspicuously dubious call after the ball seemed to have come off the New Zealander's pad - and three more victims.

In the field, Ramsbottom were committed and efficient. Harris might be the star but he has a determined supporting cast.

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