After last weeks wash out the season finally got underway this weekend with both First & Second Teams in League & Cup action.
On Saturday the First Team hosted newly promoted Whaley Bridge who were inserted to bat after Skipper Gregory won the toss. Dove were soon on top picking up regular wickets and dismissed the visitors for just 84 in 25.3 overs. All bowlers picked up wickets Dan Gilbride on debut 4-38 and Dan Walker 3-13.
In reply Dove got off to the worst start losing Dan Jones first ball. However, Mark Vernon 33 and Shaun Cartledge 39 steadied the ship before both departing leaving Skipper Gregory to finish the match with a straight six. Dove knocked the 84 required off for the loss of 4 wickets in 18.5 overs.
The Seconds travelled to Old Glossop and elected to field. After a good start Dove allowed Old Glossop's lower order to post a competitve 166-9 and were aided by 29 extras. Dan Waterhouse pick of the bowlers 4-33. In reply, plenty of batsmen made starts but Dove lost regular wickets and eventually fell 10 runs short, bowled out in 41.1 overs. Reece Johnson top scored with 39.
On Sunday the First Team hosted Dinting in the Bissenden Cup, the visitors won the toss and elected to bat. Dove made a great start reducing the visitors to 15-3. This was it for Dove who would go on to pick up no further wickets and drop at least 9 catches as Martyn Knight smashed 163 not out as Dinting posted 248-3, which at tea seemed to be a winning total.
In reply all batsmen chipped in, Mark Vernon built the innings with 44 and Tom Forder smashed 76 from 68 balls. Dove lost 5 wickets but in a well timed run chase reached the target with 5 balls spare. Dan Jones 31 not out finished the game with a boundary to set up a next round tie against Pott Shrigley.
After Saturday's defeat the Seconds were eager to get a win in a Hawke Trophy match at Woodley. The home side won the toss, elected to bat and posted 162-7 in their 40 overs. Kev Waterhouse rolled back the years picking up 3-29. In reply Dove lost regular wickets and it looked like it was going to be a repeat of saturday's run chase. However, the lower order rallied and supported all rounder Kev who smashed 48 not out as Dove reached the target with just one wicket and 7 balls remaing. The seconds will have to wait to find out their opposition as they progress to the Quarter Finals of the Hawke Trophy.