BARNOLDSWICK skipper Luke Hodgson wants his side’s opening day win over Earby can set the tone for a promotion campaign.

Barlick eased to a 10-wicket victory at the weekend thanks to Matthew Nutter’s superb 110 as they chased down the visitors’ 186-7 in style.

And Hodgson, who saw his side relegated from Section A last season after they finished bottom of the pile, believes the opening day win can inspire a reversal of fortunes this time around.

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Barnoldswick were bowled out for just 82 a year ago in losing on the opening day to Cherry Tree.

“Last year it did make a difference to our season,” said the skipper.

“We were a distinct third in our opening game last season which set the tone for our season and in the end we finished bottom.

“Hopefully it can be the opposite this time around and we can kick on.”

And Hodgson believes his side are more than capable of an instant return to Section A, insisting that is the team’s only objective for the campaign.

“The aim for us this season is to get promoted,” added the captain.

“We definitely want to be back in Section A next season and this is a good start.

“If we can keep the same nucleus of players together for a full season then I am confident we can do it.

“We have a strong side and our confidence is obviously high now so we need to take that into next week.”

The foundations for the weekend win over Earby were laid by consistent bowling with the wickets shared between, Kyle Marshall, Mohammed Saffii, Abdul Saddique and Sajid Akhtar.

That provided the platform for Nutter to steal the show with his unbeaten ton, ably supported by Saddique’s 64 not out.

And Hodgson is hoping the collective confidence can provide a second straight win this weekend when Barnoldswick make the trip to Read.

“Everyone bowled really well and Matthew Nutter batted really well for a hundred,” added the skipper.

“It gives us great confidence going forward.”