Music, lights, action - the Hyndburn clubs got their Twenty20 campaign underway and it was Accrington who were finally celebrating.
Despite being double league champions and Worsley Cup winners over the past two years, their foray into the Lancashire League’s third competition has been rather unsuccessful.
In fact the last time they won the a match in the quick fire form of the game was in June 2006 - a run of 13 games without a victory.
Roll on four years and the Thorneyholme Road club finally chalked up a success against neighbours Enfield on Friday night - but it was tight.
The Dill Hall Lane side, winners in 2007, made 142-6 with Liam Jackson starring with 40 not out, while Accrington pro Will Driver took two wickets.
In reply, Driver and Matt Wilson kept the score ticking over and Accrington won with seven wickets - but just two balls - to spare.
"I was surprised to hear Accrington haven’t done so well as we should be suited to this form of the game with some big hitters so we have got to build some momentum up now," said pro Driver.
The four Hyndburn teams - plus East Lancs - are all in Group A and Rishton, Twenty20 champions in 2006 but struggling in the league this season, couldn’t give themselves a boost as they lost to the Alexandra Meadows side.
Despite an unbeaten 30 from their captain Craig Smith in their 113-8, it was a four wicket win for Mark Bolton’s side. Rishton did though have to manage without pro Andrea Agathagelou who was playing for Lancashire seconds.
Tonight the action continues with Accrington facing East Lancs at Thorneyholme Road looking to make it two wins out of 15 Twenty20 games while Church enter the competition for the first time with a trip to Rishton. 6.15pm start.
