Barnoldswick won only two matches in last season's Veka Ribblesdale League senior division, finishing 176 points behind double winners Blackburn Northern.

However, the tables were turned at Victory Park on the opening day of the new campaign.

Barnoldswick registered a 14-run success against a much-changed Northern outfit, bowling out the champions for 126.

Baxenden though staked their intent to make up for their 2007 disappointments.

Dave Parkinson was the mainstay of their 207-5 against Earby with an undefeated 110; Mark Rishton chipped in with 51.

The visitors never threatened to reach the target and with Gary Sudworth taking 5-19, Earby were dismissed for 107.

The best individual performance came from Padiham's paid man Adnan Raza.

The Pakistani all-rounder took 5-61 as visitors Clitheroe reached 183-9. And when Padiham batted, Raza notched 109 not out as the home team won for the loss of six wickets.

Whalley chalked up a seven wicket stroll over Settle thanks to a couple of fine batting displays.

Stand-in professional Ashar Zaidi from Greenmount notched 86 and ex Darwen stalwart Neil Cordingley made 74 not out as Whalley scored 215-3.

The tightest finish came at Cliffe Park where Great Harwood squeezed home by one wicket.

Baber Naeem finished with 5-31 but Harwood's last pair held firm and saw the side home.

Senior League.

Barnoldswick 140 Blackburn Northern 126 (Z Iqbar 5-36), Barnoldswick won by 14 runs. Baxenden 207-5 (Dave Parkinson 110*, Mark Rishton 51), Earby 107 (Gary Sudworth 5-19), Baxenden won by 100 runs.

Cherry Tree 135-9 Oswaldtwistle Immanuel 92-9 (Andreas Sudnik 5-28), Cherry Tree won by 43 runs. Great Harwood 107-9 (Baber Naeem 5-31) Edenfield 106-9, Great Harwood won by one wicket.

Padiham 184-6 (Adnan Raza 109*) Clitheroe 183-9 (Raza 5-61), Padiham won by four wickets.

Ribblesdale Wanderers 174-6, Read 102-7; Ribblesdale Wanderers won by 72 runs. Settle 102-9 Whalley 215-3 (Ashar Zaidi 86, Neil Cordingley 74*), Whalley won by 113 runs