AUSTRALIAN professional Bruce Hara defied bitterly cold weather with an opening day century for Barnoldswick in the Vaux Ribblesdale League.

Hara battered through the innings for 108 as he steered the Victory Park club to a nine wicket victory over Padiham, backed up by a half century from Ian Scothern and Justin Manville on 62 not out. Earlier Padiham's new professional, Mark Harvey, had taken advantage of the slick Arbories outfield to score 98 with Phil Metcalfe (49) falling just short of his half century.

Clitheroe professional Jonathan Fielding also showed the benefit of a winter in the sun, scoring 91 and taking 6-34 in their victory over Baxenden following his return from New Zealand. Current champions Earby, recovered from a shaky start to beat Whalley thanks to professional Jonathan Harvey who picked up six wickets for 24 runs.

Shahid Nawaz picked up 5-38 as Read dismissed Blackburn Northern for 102 with Nick Marsh (47) and Terry Little (46) knocking off the runs without losing a wicket.

Great Harwood also gave warning they mean business this season with a six-wicket victory over Cherry Tree, Paul Allen scoring 76 not out.

John Ashley produced an impressive professional's performance as Edenfield beat Oswaldtwistle by eight wickets. He took 5-52 and followed up with 86 not out.

Settle took advantage as Ribblesdale Wanderers were forced to play without a professional, Dave Morrell taking 7-21 and Mark Verden scoring 57 as they collected seven points.

Results: Clitheroe 236-5 (7 pts), Baxenden 122; Blackburn Northern 102, Read 108-0 (7); Cherry Tree 150, Gt Harwood 153-4 (7); Earby 127-9 (7), Whalley 61; Edenfield 166-2 (5), Oswaldtwistle Imm 163-8; Padiham 223-5, Barnoldswick 227-1 (5); Settle 112-6 (7), Ribblesdale Wanderers 111.

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