NEWTON'S 1st XI opened their season with a home game against promotion challengers Colwyn Bay.

Ian Walkden's side were quickly under pressure as Colwyn raced to 50 without loss.

The intervention of Wakefield brought about the first wicket and two wickets by Danny Barlow and one by Lyon restricted Colwyn . Dropped catches and missed chances cost Newton dearly as Colwyn reached 181 for four at 60 Overs.

With the rain closing in it seemed imperative for Newton to start well but Lyon fell first ball and Newton struggled to 43 for 3.

Danny Barlow the form player of last season continued to show his Flintoff like brutality with a masterful and aggressive 48 from 51 balls.

He was ably supported by Fearnley and Scott, however before the weather could ruin the game, Newton were bowled out for a pitiful 119.

Ant Barlow's second XI travelled to Lytham and the bright sunshine on arrival offered encouragement, the toss as usual was lost and Newton were put into bat.

The early loss of Holcroft did not deter Toal and Appleton as they flayed the bowling to all parts keeping Ray Mullins busy in the score box.

Both players reaching their 50s with boundaries, Appleton fell for 56 while Toal continued on to make 73, Brookes and Sherlock moved the score to 185 for 8 declared at 43 overs.

However at lunch the weather took a turn for the worse and Newton were left to think about what could have been as the match was abandoned through rain.