On Saturday, despite dismal weather forecasts Penallt took the drive to Huntley for their first fixture in the West Gloucestershire Cricket Federation League Division 1.

With five changes from the side that completed last season in second place Penallt would have to pull out all the stops, and to their credit every one of the ten players played a part in an emphatic victory.

Huntley won the toss and elected to field on a damp but firm wicket.G Hyde and C Margetts opened the batting and calmly took their time assessing a somewhat two-paced track. With the score on 35 in the 11th over Margetts lost his wicket with a misplaced pull shot and the next batsman only lasted 2 overs before he too was back in the pavilion. Meantime Hyde was playing the perfect game and this composure allowed T Swanson to come in at 4 and construct his innings. These two put on 35 before Hyde (44 runs) played over a good straight one and became D Abbott's third victim (8 overs 4 maidens 14 runs 3 wickets) in his last over. With the score at 84-3 K Powles strode to the crease and with some mighty clouts of May he and Swanson constructed a partnership of 71 in 12 overs. Powles (29 runs) lost his wicket looking for quick runs and Jim Baker (13 n.o.) took no time middling the ball as he and Swanson (67 n.o.) put on 45 in the last 5 overs to post a total of 200.

After tea Penallt made quick inroads into the Huntley batting order. L Jacques bowled economically (6.3 overs 1mdn 22 runs 3 wickets) and first change bowler G Eaves (8 overs 36 runs 3 wickets) ripped out the frontline before Margetts, Swanson, and 'golden arm' M Evill finished the opposition off with the help of some fine ground fielding and catches from G Adams, R Cole, G Hyde, and J Baker. A special mention should be made for stand in wicket keeper K Powles who only let past 1 bye.

This Saturday Penallt entertain Redmarley at home and will look to maintain these high standards.