Cleator cricketer Jordan Clark has been impressing for Lancashire Lightning in Dubai this week.

The 26-year-old picked up five wickets in their friendly with the UAE as a precursor to the start of the Emirates Twenty20.

And he went on to bag another three wickets in an impressive 63-run win over Birmingham Bears in the opening T20 fixture on Thursday.

Clark, whose family have all come through the ranks at Cleator Cricket Club, is delighted some of his close-season work is beginning to pay off.

“I’ve found my rhythm,” he said after the match with UAE.

“It was really good and important to do well in a game situation. I was just really happy to go out and get five wickets.

“But my aim is to be more consistent. I’ve been working through the winter on my bowling and I feel it has improved a lot.

"Now, my aim is to put it all together and perform more consistently.

“You can do all the practice, but nothing beats game time, having the real experience is good.”

Lancashire were all out for 204 against UAE as a young side struggled to find form with the bat.

But Clark then starred with the ball, claiming 5-34 from his 12 overs, as the Emirates were dismissed for 182 in 69.5 overs.

Then against Ashley Giles’ Birmingham, Lancashire again batted first, racking up 159-8.

Lancashire picked up regular wickets as the Bears began to falter, and Clark struck to claim three wickets with only three runs falling.

He finished with figures of 3-14 off just 3.3 overs, taking the final wicket to secure the win, with the Bears all out for 96.

Lancashire’s pre-season was set to continue in Dubai yesterday when they faced Lahore Qalanders before the final at 6pm.