Toft CC 187-5 (51.2 Overs)

Bowdon CC 186-5 (55 Overs)

Toft CC won by five wickets

Toft got their Premier League campaign off to a stunning start thanks to a crushing victory over reigning champions Bowdon at Booths Park on Saturday.

Having won the toss, the visitors chose to bat in sunny conditions. New acquisition Dave Ashley bowled with good pace early on in tandem with the ever-reliable Shaun Mudalige.

It was Mudalige who got the early breakthrough, bowling Crozier for 8.

Bowdon continued steadily against the spin twins of Muirhead and Lincoln, who bowled with excellent flight and guile throughout the middle overs.

Skipper Muirhead proved his worth to the side, finishing with 3-43 from his 23 overs.

Assisted by superb fielding from the likes of Bones and Noble, Bowdon were restricted to a total of 186-5.

Toft openers Bones and Hardstaff started purposefully and took the home side to 50 without loss. Two quick wickets followed and it was left to Samwise to steady the ship.

In partnership with Bones, the pair stroked their way past the 100 mark and to within sight of victory.

Again Bowdon fought back with Samwise falling for 34 and Bones soon following, having made an excellent 61. Toft were soon back on top with Les Emslie smashing a quick fire 38 and it was left to Mudalige to hit the winning runs to give Toft a famous victory.

Next week Toft travel to Poynton.