NEW leaders Ramsbottom head to Lowerhouse tomorrow with the intention of coming away with their 100 per cent start to the season intact.

Captain Tom Parton knows it is a tough ask. But they have already sprung a few Lancashire League surprises which have elevated them to the top of the table, with four wins from four.

Parton admits that wins over defending champions Clitheroe, in the Worsley Cup, and last year’s runners up Darwen, in the league, have surpassed even their own expectations in the early games.

The retirement of experienced opening bowler Simon Read left big shoes to fill. But Parton has praised youngster Matt Burdaky for stepping up to the plate, and playing a key role in the Acre Bottom side’s early season success, with 10 wickets so far.

“It’s a bit of a surprise probably from where a few people would have thought we would be,” said skipper Parton.

“But we’ve played some pretty good cricket and we’ve played to plans and everyone has bought into it and is working together. That’s been the most pleasing thing.

“It’s been well documented we’ve lost one of the best opening bowlers over the last decade in Simon Read, so we had to find a new way of playing without him.

“Matt Burdaky has taken the new ball and delivered exceptionally well in what is his first full season in first team cricket.

“He had a good impact last year, playing about two thirds of the games, but this is the first season he has started and he’s doing well.

“He’s played at the club his entire career, coming up from the juniors to the thirds and seconds.

“This year he has been given the opportunity and he’s taken it with both hands.”

Parton added that Burdaky’s potential was spotted at an early age.

“He has always bowled decent areas and has good control. He’s very accurate,” he said.

“He is probably one of the most economical bowlers in the league.”

There have been encouraging batting performances too.

“As captain you do want to lead from the front so it’s been nice to score some runs,” said opening batsman Parton.

“JJ Fielding, my opening partner, and Martin Cropper have done well. But there have been contributions from everyone.”

While Parton is delighted with their start, he acknowledges how hard it will be to sustain.

“We are huge underdogs compared to a lot of sides.” he said. “League cricket is a very long season. We are just trying to carry on riding the wave as long as possible.”