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Lancashire League: Haslingden 207-4 (10pts), Church 163-7 (1)

Anyone doubting Haslingden's decision to re-sign Brad McNamara had better start thinking again.

Even the Australian himself wondered whether the Bentgate club would want him back after he left in somewhat controversial circumstances back in 1997.

But a sparkling unbeaten century in conditions hardly conducive to batting set up his side's first victory of the season.

And perhaps more importantly confirmed he can still cut it with the best.

``Originally, I just set out to try and get a bit of time in the middle but things just happened from there.

``I've not played for over a month back home and because of the conditions I haven't been able to practice.

``It was very wet out there and it's only because I've played in the league before that I was able to call on a bit of previous experience.''

In two of McNamara's three previous spells with the club he has broken the 1,000 runs for a season barrier.

And following a near faultless display yesterday he could be in line to do it again.

After the home side lost openers Mike Ingham (8) and Barry Knowles (1) with only 23 on the board, McNamara decided to take centre stage.

Mark Griffin offered steady support with a valuable 28.

But it was the Australian's fifth wicket partnership with Stuart Taylor which laid the foundations for a testing total.

Haslingden side were 119-4 when the pair came together but they butchered the Church attack, smashing 87 off the last 10 overs. McNamara reached his century in 157 balls, striking 10 fours on his way to a cultured 106 not out.

And Taylor's quickfire 46 enabled the home side to post a very formiddable 207-4.

That was always going to be a tall order for Church on a damp wicket.

And so it proved as openers Phil Sykes and Craig Fergusson struggled to stamp their authority on the Haslingden attack.

The pressure began to tell and Fergusson was needlessly run out when looking to accelerate the score.

And skipper Mark Aspin perished two balls later to a real beauty from McNamara.

Substitute professional David Millns, on loan from Leicestershire, offered stubborn resistance with 47 and, while he was at the crease, Church still had a chance.

But he got a leading edge to a delivery from Taylor just as he looked like cutting loose and Mark Griffin took a simple catch at point to reduce the visitors to 118-5.

That left Trevor Hatch to lead the quest for bonus points.

And a six off Barry Knowles in the final over ensured the Blackburn Road side at least picked up a point for getting within 50 of the total. But the day belonged to Haslingden and McNamara, and the Australian believes they can both be a force again this summer.

``If I can play well and we can field well then we'll be up there.

``Obviously, we want to win every game and if we do that then I'll do well personally.

``The side hasn't changed much at all.

``Last time I was here we had Jack Simpson playing which probably made us a little bit stronger but, other than that, it's much the same side.

``My job is to make sure the lads enjoy their cricket and if I can do that then I think we'll do well.''