By Martin Huscroft

Kilmington and Chardstock opened their 2022 campaigns on Saturday. The pitch looked green and it wasn't exactly cricketing weather (until the final few overs) but everyone was keen to get the season underway.

Kilmington skipper Joel Seward won the toss and chose to bat. Openers Tommy Gooding (48) and new boy Josh Cann (53) led the way with a 100-plus opening stand before retiring. Further useful contributions from Matt Reed senior (34), Giles Dixon (29), Ashley Cook (18) and Joel Seward (14) took Kilmington to 253 all out from 39 overs. Chardstock's bowling was led by skipper Robbie Hutchings (3-34), supported by Nick Taylor (2-53) and Tom Warren (2-56).

Chardstock set off on pursuit led by an aggressive innings of 72 from Alex Watson with five 6s and eight 4s. Good support came from Tom Warren (64) and Robbie Hutchings (47). Chardstock ended up nine runs short on 244 all out in the final over of their innings.

The wickets for Kilmington were shared with two wickets apiece for Ollie Reed, Dan Fuzzard, Joel Seward and Matt Reed snr and one for Giles Dixon. Pick of the bowlers was Louis Cook, playing in his first full senior season, who took 1-29 off six overs. The skipper trusted him to bring him back when the game was very much in the balance.

So Kilmington won by nine runs, and as nearly 500 runs scored in April, the wicket certainly lived up to the work John Lavender puts in, and all players on both sides got in some much needed practice.

It was a great start to the season, a very competitive game played in a great spirit between two old East Devon cricket clubs. We wish Robbie Hutchings and his team a great season, they certainly have some players who 'put bat to ball'.

Kilmington 253 all out off 39 overs (Josh Cann 53, Tom Gooding 48, Matt Reed 34, Giles Dixon 29, Robbie Hutchings 3-34, Nick Taylor 2-53, Tom Warren 2-56).

Chardstock 244 all out off 39.3 overs (Alex Watson 72, Tom Warren 64, Robbie Hutchings 47, Ollie Reed 2-22, Dan Fuzzard 2-32, Matt Reed 2-38, Joel Seward 2-48).