CAISTOR Town hosted reigning Premier Division champions Scunthorpe Town on the opening day of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League season, and it was the visitors who triumphed by 65 runs at Brigg Road.
Things were looking good early on for Caistor when they dismissed the renowned Ramesh Chand, opening for Scunthorpe, for only 10.
But the all-rounder came back to wreak his revenge later with a haul of four for 36 – the best figures of the game.
Scunthorpe Town skipper Ian Snowden – who won the division's batting prize in 2012 – stroked an undefeated 84 as the visitors posted 174 for eight.
The best bowling figures for Caistor came from off-spinner Tom Boryszczuk, who took three for 51, while veteran left-arm seamer Paul Jackson conceded 25 runs in 14 tight overs.
Caistor's reply of 109 included one innings of note – 45 from opener Harry Boulton, before he fell victim to Chand, courtesy of a catch by keeper Luke Smith.
Team totals do not reach 300 very often in the Lincolnshire League, but Alford managed it during Saturday's emphatic home win over Cleethorpes 2nds.
Alford lost only five wickets, as Mark Irving led the way with an unbeaten 73 – Joe Irving and Chris Hennessy both hit 61 and Wayne Garlick ended 48 not out.
Irving and Garlick shared a century stand for the fifth wicket, with Callum Robinson (two for 61) being the only Meggies stand-out.
The visitors were dismissed for 101, with no-one topping 20 – the wickets were shared by Tom White (five for 28) and Steve Kirkham (five for 37).
Market Rasen – making a welcome return to the top-flight – found themselves in a spin as they went down by nine wickets to visiting Cherry Willingham.
Rasen were skittled for 66 – skipper Matt Rutherford scoring 20 – as Cherry bowlers Matt Spikings (four for 12) and Graham Priestley (three for 22) got to work.
Tim Shooter then finished unbeaten on 44 as the visitors secured maximum points after only 16 overs.
Meanwhile, Barton Town beat Nettleham and Alkborough saw off Bracebridge Heath 2nds.
