IT would be foolish in the extreme to predict who are likely to be this season's Feversham Cricket League champions after just one match has been played, with still 29 to go. However, Gillamoor, after gaining useful experience last season on their return to the competition, now look potentially strong, at least judging by their 26-run victory away at Glaisdale.

Batting first, Gillamoor amassed a mammoth 204-3 from 18 overs at an astonishing scoring rate of 11.33 runs an over. Sixteen-year-old Henry Marwood, who openly admits that he has struggled for runs playing for Duncombe Park on a Saturday in the York Senior League, cast off any doubts and restored some confidence with an undefeated 74. Captain Sam Farrow, known for his belligerent hitting, didn't disappoint, falling one short of a half-century, whilst Jon Maw's undefeated 38 served only to possibly demoralise Glaisdale's young bowlers, seven of whom are under 19 years of age. A crumb of comfort was that one of their number managed to take the wicket of the experienced Nick Thornicroft for 26. Praise for Felix Elliot who achieved figures of 2-27.

Whilst the final outcome was a foregone conclusion, that didn't prevent Glaisdale's batsmen from displaying fighting qualities, including taking 47 runs from the four overs sent down by Gillamoor's best known bowler. Ryan Hewison with 50, John Welford 41 and Elliot 19, whilst not enough to trouble Gillamoor unduly, demonstrated the talent Glaisdale has at their disposal. A final total of 178-6 was most commendable.

Another club to actively enter the market for players during the close season was Lockton, who must have been delighted with the performance of Patrick Obank, whose brilliant 92 proved to be the deciding factor in another run scoring spree away at Slingsby. Backed by 30 from Anthony Stones, Lockton had little difficulty in cruising to 171-4 in 18 overs.

In reply, current champions Slingsby failed to dust off the winter's rust and collapsed to a meagre 45 all out. There were no innings of note, as M Dawson (3-12), Stones (2-3), and J Garrity (2-7) held sway over Slingsby's tentative batting. Not that Slingsby were downhearted; reports suggest they still enjoyed the game.

From the sublime to almost the ridiculous. That was Gillamoor's fate as, fresh from victory over Glaisdale, they travelled to Lockton in good spirits only to be brought down to earth with a bump losing by 26 runs.

Lockton won the toss, batted first and accrued 105 all out. Duncombe Park C.C. are well represented in the league this season with Tom Fairburn a most useful recruit leading the way with 40. James Boyes (11) and Anthony Stones (ten) were the only others to reach double figures. Adam Durrant's spinners brought him three wickets at the cost of 17 runs. Brothers Henry (the elder) and Percy (the younger) Marwood each grabbed two wickets conceding four and ten runs respectively.

Gillamoor may have thought that their target was attainable, if so they received rather a shock when faced by Stones (3-11 after four overs) and Tom Snowdon (3-16 after four overs). J Smith (28) and Durrant (18) tried hard to give their side some semblance of hope, but it was to no avail as Gillamoor were dismissed for 79. Perhaps Lockton have now taken over the mantle of serious title contenders.