LEIGH and Atherton both opened the new cricket season with victories.

Hedley Molyneux and Richard Dempster rescued Leigh from a wobbly start in their Liverpool and District Competition League Knockout tie on their way to a 69-run victory.

They put on a stand of 127 for the eighth wicket as the Beech Walk men recovered from 87-7 to post a total of 217-8 from their 45 overs.

Molyneux was last man out after scoring 72 from 70 balls, while Dempster also completed his half century, finishing unbeaten on 52.

Highfield, who host Leigh this weekend in their opening Premier Division match, were all out for 148, with Karl Brown (2-19) and captain Matty McKiernan (2-34) both taking two wickets.

Atherton edged to a one-wicket win against Golborne in the opening match of their Bolton Assocaition campaign.

Josh Gilluley and Harry McManus both took three wickets as they dismissed Golbourne for 133.

Dale Tyrer (31) and Jamar Griffith (30) helped Atherton to victory, finishing 134-9 – but Nasir Mahmoud’s impressive bowling provided a late scare as he took 5-29.