PADIHAM captain Callum Clarke believes his side’s opening win of the season can be a catalyst for a promotion push from the second tier of the Ribblesdale League.

Clarke’s men saw off Brooksbottom on Saturday to taste victory for the first time in six league attempts.

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And with professional Ben Heap impressing with an unbeaten 150, Clarke is confident there is more to come from his side.

“It was a great performance and we played really well,” said Clarke of his side’s 201-run success over the league’s bottom club. “We have played reasonably well in all of our games so far this season, but hadn’t really had the luck, so it is nice to get that first win and hopefully we can kick on.

“We have batted well and bowled well this season and it was nice to put it all together and get the win.”

Clarke, who earmarked promotion before the season began, insists that remains the target for his side.

“It is a very open league,” he added. “I think in the B section everybody is beating each other, so if we can put a run together then we will soon climb the table.

“Once you get one win there is a chance to follow it with a few more and build some momentum. Two or three wins in a row can soon lift you up the table.

“It was the same when we were losing, defeats can follow on, but we have confidence in the squad now and, hopefully, we can follow it up with another. That is what we are looking to do this weekend.”

Padiham face a testing double-header at home to Ribblesdale Wanderers on Saturday and away at Salesbury on Sunday, but with former Lowerhouse man Heap in fine form with the bat, Clarke is optimistic.

“It was a great knock from Ben,” said Clarke.

“That is what we brought him in for, to score runs, and it was great to see.

“He didn’t give a chance until he was past 140 and it was a fantastic innings.

“He was great on Saturday and I think he helps bring the other batsmen on as well. He talks to the other players and he is great in the nets.”

Heap, whose 150 came off just 123 balls and featured seven sixes and 15 fours, was supported by Brannon Varley, who hit 42, while Jordan Baczkiewicz weighed in with 32 as Padiham amassed a formidable 288-4.

Only Zohaib Qureshi offered any resistance to the Padiham bowling attack as he made an unbeaten 45 batting at nine with Varley and Nathan Whitehead doing the damage with the ball.

Varley took 5-15 from eight overs, while Whitehead finished with figures of 4-40. There was also a wicket for Toby Whitehead.