Bradford & Bingley's Richard McCarthy could hardly have started his testimonial season any better.

The 46-year-old took eight for 12 in 13 overs to help skittle Bowling Old Lane out for 44 last Saturday and give his side an emphatic 142-run victory.

"They were my most impressive figures in 20 years of league cricket over here," said the Australian-born opening bowler, who now qualifies as English by residence.

"My previous best was nine for 55 for Adel in my first season here at Tong Park, and I also took eight for 25 against Manningham Mills in my first season in the JCT600 Bradford League."

Bingley's chairman Peter Whitehead said: "It was a damp wicket and Richard just put it in the right place, as he always does."

Among the events planned for McCarthy later in the season are a dinner and a Twenty20 competition.

Whitehead added: "We are aiming for a place in the top six. We didn't perform as well as we should have last season and we expect much better this time.

"The lads have got that message and they are determined to do better. Also we are expecting good things from our overseas player Amila Ratnayke.

"He is a hard-hitting Sri Lankan batsman who can bowl medium pacers but we are also glad that last season's skipper Carl Sharp has stayed on to provide some continuity with Phil Slater at the helm.

"Carl has had two poorish seasons with the bat by his own gh standards and we are hoping he will do better now he is not captain."