TODMORDEN captain Nigel Hunter puts his side's winning start to the Transco Lancashire Cricket League season down to an element of luck.

The Centre Vale side could have had a poor start to the season as their Australian professional Jerry Cassell has been sidelined with a fractured hand.

But instead they have called on the services of two professionals who have more than done a job for Tod, helping them to two victories.

Barnoldswick paid-man Clinton Peake was a star in the opening game scoring 114 and helping Hunter's side to a win over Rawtenstall.

Last Saturday Central Lancashire League pro Reuben Peiris, who plays for Middleton, stepped into the breach and he made 63 as they recorded a hard-fought win over Rishton.

"I have got to say we have been very fortunate with the pros that have been available," said Aussie Hunter.

"We were lucky that two of the best pros were available from the Central Lancs League last weekend although we didn't need Lee Carseldine on Sunday because of the weather.

"And Clinton Peake, we have known about him for a while, we knew what sort of cricket he played. He did well against a good attack. We were under pressure a bit but he hung around through it and then we got on top.

"We were pleased it turned out well as we could have been forced to look at a decent amateur and could have been in a bit of trouble at this stage.

"We are doing okay so far without Jerry but it will be good to have him back against Accrington tomorrow.

"He may have a bit of trouble bowling because of his hand but he is a good bat."

While Todmorden have had a good start and have been getting the runs, Hunter is worried they may struggle with the ball.

"We have been able to score runs in both games and this is what we want this season although we might not be so great in attack," he admitted.

"Nick (Matthew Nicholson) was a great bowler and a good pro last season but I think to win the league you need someone who can get some runs.

"That is why we went for Jerry but that could leave us short on the bowling front.

"But we have done okay although I do not think we have the strength in depth and that will be the real test.

"We do not have people to step in if we have injuries. When we have a full side it is fine but we will see where we are if we have to lose a few players."

Hunter is hopeful that the star of their Worsley Cup win the season before last, Duncan Parker, will come back and boost their bowling prowess.

He missed last season because of work and has been struggling with a foot injury but Hunter would like to see him back at Centre Vale.

"I still hope he will come back. He would give us the extra bowling strength we need and if he was available the season would look different but we will have to see."

But one player who has impressed him so far is youngster Jamie Summerscales.

He made his debut and got an unbeaten 36 and 34 in the two games so far.

"He is only a young lad, he has come from Halifax, and he is going to be a good player. He has got runs in both innings and he has made a difference."

After bottom club Accrington tomorrow, next up on Sunday are defending champions Bacup at Lanehead.

And Hunter was one of only a few people who was not shocked by Nelson's defeat of Neal Wilkinson's side last Saturday.

"That just shows that anybody can beat anybody on the day. Hopefully it won't be like last year when a couple of teams run away with the league, I think it will be a lot closer for this season.

"I think Bacup will lose more games than they did last season but you never know.

"The league is even but it will be a lot clearer in 15 games, it is too early now."

TOMORROW'S GAMES: Colne v Church; Enfield v Nelson; Lowerhouse v Haslingden; Ramsbottom v Burnley; Rawtenstall v East Lancs; Rishton v Bacup; Todmorden v Accrington.