SKIPPER STARS AS 1STS WIN OPENER

New captain Neil Butterworth put in a fine all-round performance as the 1sts swept aside Failsworth in a relatively gentle encounter. With a warm sun beating down at Crompton Meadows, it was a good team effort to kick off this year's title push.

Totts totalled 200-6 in their allotted 45 overs, with decent contributions all down the order. All the main batsmen contributed, with captain Nelly top-scoring with 47. Big Marshy continued where he left off, arguably the league's top batsman weighing in with his usual 45 not out! Doc, Flash and Boris all chipped in, in an innings where false shots tended to lead to wickets.

Having amassed 200, the boys were confident of a win, and when three early wickets fell, the game was effectively secured. Marshy opened the season's wicket taking with a fairly iffy LBW, before Doc P struck twice in two balls. With Nelly rotating the bowling, everyone chipped in - Young Marshy picked up two wickets - including a terrific stumping from Clive, while the skipper threw down some serious pies to take 3 for 8! It was left to Scunners to wrap up the innings, with an impressive spell of 0.2-0-0-1!

So we're off and running for 2010. Let's hope the performances - and the weather - continue!

Doc P's Champagne Moment: Kieran very clearly calling for the ball on the boundary and Boris ignoring him and kneeing him in the back of the head!

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