NEW Haslingden captain Alex Coleman described a maiden century and a 24-point weekend as the highlight of his Lancashire League career.

The Bent Gate side thrashed Accrington on Saturday, with Jake Neary taking five wickets for the first time from his eight overs, while on Sunday Coleman hit 100 in their 110-run win over Todmorden.

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With the former Burnley defender at the helm for the first time, having taken over the captaincy from Phil Hayes, he admitted it was a proud moment personally.

But he said he was more pleased with the team performance in bouncing back from an opening day defeat.

“A 24-point weekend is always fantastic, but this one was even better than the others I’ve had in my career as it was my first as captain,” said Coleman.

“We played very well in all departments on both days, after our loss to Enfield last Sunday we had a chat and we knew where we went wrong. If we’d have taken our chances in the field that game it could perhaps have been a different outcome.

“We batted in partnerships both Saturday and Sunday, bowled very consistently and although our fielding wasn’t perfect it was much improved which was pleasing.

“Jake’s spell on Saturday was awesome and all the lads were over the moon for him to get his first five-wicket haul, nobody deserved that bit of success more.

“As for Sunday of course I was extremely pleased personally, but another win and 12 points was by far the most important thing.

“It was a very proud moment for me and it was nice that it was a home game and an innings which helped us towards a victory in front of a lot of people who have supported me for a long time.

“I received a lot of nice messages from friends and other people from around the league which I am very thankful for.

“Hopefully it will be the first of many and if I can continue to score runs and we can keep winning then that would be great.

“But the team is more important so I’ll happily sacrifice any runs for 12 points every week!”

Coleman has high hopes for new professional Burton de Wett too.

“Burton is settling in really well,” said the skipper.

“He’s a top bloke and has a couple of half centuries to his name already and his leg spinners look to be coming out nicely already too. Hopefully as the weather starts to get better and he starts to warm up he’ll keep on getting better too as he’s not a massive fan of the cold!”