FLIXTON Cricket Club's season finally got under way on Saturday - but only just as the 2ndXI travelled to South West Manchester, with the whole match again in doubt due to the incessant rain that has plagued all local league cricket for the last 3 weeks.

With the bad weather inevitably forcing the 1stXI's fixture at home to be cancelled, Flixton's battle with the Chorlton outfit was thought to be one of very few fixtures to begin over the weekend.

After new skipper David Glick lost the toss, Flixton were asked to bat, and there were no surprises when Flixton found runs difficult to come by, as the conditions were naturally none too favourable.

South West took the early honours as the visitors were reduced to 41-3.

However, the impressive Mike Fetherstone took the initiative, and began to attack some loose bowling.

Batting became slightly easier as South West's bowlers started to struggle with the wet ball in the constant drizzle.

Despite both sides' willingness to continue, the rain eventually saw the contest bought to a premature end after early tea interval, with Flixton reaching 135/4 from 41 overs, just as they looked poised to set a challenging target.

Fetherstone stroked an accomplished 40, supported steadily by Mike Keen's unbeaten 46, as any chance of a result was washed away with one final post-tea downpour.

Flixton are naturally keen to get started and build on a relatively good season last year.

Craig Hudson's 1stXI narrowly missed out on promotion, after falling at the final hurdle last year, despite being one of the op two or three sides for most of the season.

The addition to the squad of new players and one or two returning from injury will assist them in their quest for Premier Division cricket in 2--2.

New 2ndXI skipper David Glick also has high hopes for the 2ndXI, as they seek to consolidate their position as a more than useful premier division side.

The opportunity will also be there for likes of the Fetherstone twins and Mike Kilroy to enhance their growing reputations, and put pressure on the 1stXI to perform.

Similarly, the 3rdXI, under the leadership of Steve Davis, with a useful mixture of old pro's and up and coming players, are seeking to emulate last season's title winning success and improve the overall standard of cricket in Division 3.

Anybody wishing to join the cricket section, playing in the Manchester Association should attend nets on Tuesdays & Thursdays, or contact Craig Hudson on 01942 737 059.