Cricket: Rochdale open with a win

Rochdale Captain Michael Harling, resplendent in his new club blazer hands over the Pennant to Litttleborough skipper Thomas Kaber

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Rochdale's first game in the Lancashire League ended with a resounding victory over local rivals Littleborough at Hare Hill.

New professional Ed Moore made an impressive 99 not out from only 72 balls on his debut.

An undefeated half century by Andy Dawson and 40 from opener Jack Avery also contributed to Rochdale’s daunting total of 219 for 2 from 34 overs.

Littleborough never gave the impression of being able to challenge the target and were bowled out for 83 with only Joe Smith Butler with 32 offering any resistance.

Scores: 

• Rochdale 219 for 2 (Moore 99 n.o., Dawson 53 n.o, Avery 40).
   
• Littleborough 83 (Smith Butler 32, Harling 3-10, Makin 3-27).
   
• Rochdale, 12 points, beat Littleborough, 0 points, by 136 runs.

Rochdale face Milnrow at Redbrook on Sunday, start 1.00pm, for their first home game in the new league.

Rochdale are commemorating their inaugural season in The Lancashire League by giving each opposing club a Pennant before the start of each game.