GREAT Harwood are using the fact they are rated as fourth favourites to reclaim their title this season as a spur.

Harwood won their first championship in 108 years last summer and, with a similar side, are aiming to make it two in two years.

But captain Russell Whalley has heard they are not hot favourites to do it - but thinks that is to their advantage.

"One source said Baxenden are the favourites, Padiham are next, Read third and then us so we are fourth favourites to win the league," said the captain.

"Not that it bothers us. If Baxenden are favourites then they have to beat us and the pressure it all on them."

The two title-challengers clash early in the season tomorrow at Cliffe Park after both started off the new campaign with big hits.

Harwood hit 256 against local rivals Oswaldtwistle Immanuel. They were struggling at one point at 28-2 but skipper Whalley (62) and Matt Howarth (56) helped to steady the ship and steer them to a 153 run win.

And this was without pro Raouf Akbar who hasn’t yet arrived from Pakistan with Prestwich paid man Amal Dalugonda stepping in.

"It was good to get off with a win and we played well on a tricky ground," continued the skipper.

"The sub pro got 36 and four wickets and was really keen.

"I was pleased to start well and Matt smashed 56 off about 30 balls and made it look easy while Paul Houldsworth got 28 not out with a sore hand so it all went well."

But whatever Harwood can do, Baxenden can do too as they hit 234 without captain Ian Austin, who is back tomorrow.

Opener Callum Waddington made 85 while new pro Baber Naeem chalked up 75 against his old club Edenfield.

"We saw they started well too but we would like to beat them tomorrow and then that puts the pressure on them as they will be chasing us," added the Harwood skipper.

Bash pro Naeem and Garry Sudworth took five wickets each in what was a comfortable win.

Meanwhile Oswaldtwistle take on early pacesetters Ribblesdale Wanderers tomorrow.