PHIL Gilrane is going to continue being bossy if it keeps producing wins.

The 25-year-old is in his first season as captain at Church and has developed his own style which he admits may be a shock for his colleagues.

But he is getting the results so far with Church, who struggled last season, winning two of their three games and currently occupying fourth spot in the SponsorBank Lancashire League.

"Some of the lads have said I am a bit bossy," admitted the all-rounder.

"And I will carry on that way although I have got to put a few performances in myself with a few more wickets and a few more runs so it is easier to tell them what to do. I won’t change though - I will carry on being bossy!"

The first game of the new campaign was a learning curve for the new-look team with Phil taking over from long-serving Phil Sykes as skipper this season and professional Ruvin Peiris - at Blackburn Road for four seasons - being replaced by highly-rated South African all-rounder Niel Brendenkamp.

"It is a new side and it has been like a breath of fresh air which perhaps the club needed," said Gilrane.

"You don’t want everything getting stagnant and everyone has got something to prove now.

"The batsmen have got to get the runs to move up the order and the bowlers take wickets to have their chance. It means everyone has to work hard in nets and in the games."

Church did stutter at the start with a low-scoring loss to Burnley but they bounced back against East Lancs with bowler Andy Bentley taking five wickets - carrying on where he left off last season when he amassed a career-best 50.

And the 24-year-old bowler came up with the goods again against Haslingden at the weekend taking another five scalps while Gilrane chipped in with four.

But it was pro Bredenkamp who finally found his feet, hitting 94 of their 238 -with eight fours and four sixes.

"We would just like to think that the first game was a blip and we have got it out of the way," said Gilrane.

"Since then things have come together. We don’t have the strongest bowling attack but I know I can always rely on Andy to take wickets for us.

"And Niel has started getting the runs and showed what he is capable of.

"He wasn’t too disappointed at missing out on a century as he was just happy to spend time at the wicket. We know he will get plenty of centuries this season. I was relieved myself to get a few wickets and hopefully I can go on and get some more now."

The early table does have something of an odd look about it with Accrington - who finished bottom last season - leading the way and Church, who struggled at the lower end of the table last season, up among the front-runners.

"It is only early, we all know that, but a lot of people were tipping Accrington to have a good start to the season and that has proved to be the case.

"Meanwhile Lowerhouse, who a lot of expected to do well, have lost their first three. But it is just very early days.

"We just want to make sure we go on a run now and see where it takes us in the league and hopefully enjoy a good cup run."

It is a tough weekend for Church who are up against Rawtenstall - who made it a club record 13 straight wins last weekend - and local rivals Enfield.

ACCRINGTON continue to be the in-form side after the leaders chalked up their third successive win. Captain David Ormerod got another five wickets as East Lancs were all out for 185.

Youngster Toby Bulcock was the star of the batting show making 71 - hitting five fours and two sixes.

Matt Wilson chipped in with an important 43 while Graham Lloyd got 33 as they passed the target with five wickets to spare and - after just six league wins all last season - it has been a superb start for the Thorneyholme Road side.

They will be looking to keep up their good start against Haslingden and Rawtenstall this weekend.

It was the first local derby of the season between champions Rishton and Enfield - and it was David Bracewell’s side who came out on top for their first win of the campaign.

Dill Hall Lane pro Brandon Hiini took four wickets as Rishton failed to shine with the bat in difficult conditions, making just 99.

Pro Saeed Anwar Junior top scoring with 20 although Shaun Hutchinson was disappointed with the lbw decision given against him.

Adam Bracewell (24) led the reply but Enfield were helped by a staggering 40 extras - including 26 wides - in their seven wicket win.

Rishton take on Todmorden and Haslingden while Enfield face Burnley before their derby day against Church.

ALL Sunday’s games - and the eagerly anticipated return of David Lloyd for Accrington - fell victim to the heavy rain.