1st Team v Broadbottom Dove holes first team opened their season on a hot day in broadbottom. The Dove lads thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the fantastic improvements in changing facilities at the ground. Dove lost the toss and broady elected to bat. J. Gregory and S Critchlow opened the bowling and the Broadbottom batters took advantage of a good wicket and short boundary and went at 7 an over for the first 5. Gregory was replaced by debutant T Niles who joined Critchlow who really tightened things up. Critchlow then got Welsh caught at extra cover by K jones then bowled Walsh who inside edged trying to exploit the short boundary. Broadbottom then consolidated the innings racing to 120-2. K jones then joined the attacking and toiled away for 4-53 slowing the run rate along with D Cartledge, with two wickets. S Critchlow finished well with 4 and Big T picked up a wicked on an impressive debut. Tight bowling restricted broadbottom to 218 which looked a manageable target at the interval. The boys then Indulged in the fantastic tea. D Jones and Vernon opened the bat and set about the task well. Riley was removed from the attack early after two beamers under the new regulations, known as the Riley rule. Dove took advantage and were 50 without loss were going well before Jones dragged on to his stumps and jack Gregory was dismissed soon after. Vernon and Joe Gregory dug in and dove were 80-2 before both fell in quick succession. Dove then collapsed from 108-4 to 137 all out. The Lower order did not follow up on a very promising situation struggling to manage the slow bowlers Croft and Cheetham-Roberts who both bowled well. Back to the drawing board with the bat, but some good early signs from a fielding perspective. A disappointing day was sweetened by fantastic hospitality during and after the day and a big following from the home club members. 2nd Team v Broadbottom After last weeks pipe opener in the cup the reserves looked a much smarter unit.Pete again won the toss and after a few harsh words the young bowling attack set about Broadbottoms top order.All our 5 bowlers were impressive. Dan and Reece bowled lovely against a good opening pair and once they were back in the hut Jonty and Kieran both showed great discipline in restricting Broady to 107.Lots of highlights during the innings with a direct hit from deep mid on by the skipper and the lads bowling 12 maidens between them on a good early season track.After the most delicious spread at the break to which Sara deserves a massive thankyou the batters duly knocked the runs off for 6 wkts with Ben looking the pick with a well built 35.So the lads are off to a flier and next week move on to Tintwistle with lots of positives in the locker. Juniors Dove lost to Chapel under 15s in a tight game. Chapel posted 84 but the diggers fell short posting 74 Happy Birthday to Carol Gregory who celebrated her 60th in style at DHCC on Saturday Night