MINCHINHAMPTON 2nds finally got their season underway at home to Charfield and enjoyed a healthy 22 point win.

They relied heavily on experience when selecting the team for their first game of the season, with the average age earning them the nickname Dad's Army, but their new captain Rich Scott was not let down.

The very hard, bare pitch promised fireworks but in the event played well and after a solid start, campaigners Pete Raphael and Simon Penn were soon into their stride, both recording solid fifties with a heavy reliance on boundaries. The fine partnership saw Penn reach 53 and Raphael 50.

Minchinhampton topped the 200 mark with Chris Wall striking a good 36 which included two straight sixes.

For Charfield, they too relied on the wily skills of Jeremy Hull, who finished with creditable 6-35.

Chasing 211, Charfield came up against Minch’s two silver foxes – John Turton and Harvey Cartledge - who dominated the batsman with tight and accurate bowling.

With Turton taking 3-1 and Cartledge 3-9 following Dave Gordon’s hostile opening spell it was soon game over with Charfield 60 all out and only one player with a double figure score.

A good opening effort for Minch who welcome back their university student players in the next few weeks to supplement experience with youth.