Our season finally got underway against our old favourites – Newport Inn CC – on their picturesque ground in Braishfield.
Our young but experienced team gathered under the new captain – Bickers, who lost his first toss and the Rioteers were asked to bowl.
Harrisson Hill (15) opened up with the now elderly Williams. After 11 overs the oppo managed just 23 runs with Harrison getting straight back on line and length (6-5-2-1) whist Williams was his usual self – leaking runs.
The Hillier family then took over. B Hillier being the pick of the family (3-8) with A Hillier (2-23) whist Daddy Hillier was wayward and expensive.
Debutant Gregory Williams bowled neatly without success whilst his father returned to pick up the “bunnies” with the skipper gaining one wicket courtesy of a stunning catch at mid wicket by Shea.
The Newport ended their innings on 147 setting the Rioteers a smallish target to chase after tea.
Simon B and Charlie Branch opened up, Simon plodding 6 singles to start whilst losing Branch (10) and Shea (1) in the 4th over.
Bickford steadied the ship outscoring Simon who plodded on to his fifty before retiring. Bickford perished on 32 as did past captain Hillier (22) before Archie and the elderly Williams saw the Rioteers to a 6 wkt victory.