LONGRIDGE 3rds began their 2008 campaign with a good win over Torrisholme.
Under the new leadership of Brian Simpson, the skipper made the best possible start by winning the toss and inserting the opposition in conditions that were grim to say the least.
Returning opening bowler Danny (skeletor) Wilkinson hit his straps straight away and returned a fine opening spell of 10 overs 1 for 26 ably supported by an enthusiastic field donning an assortment of Ski hats and several layers of sweaters as the wind chill took its toll.
The first wicket of the season was however snapped up by Will Baines whose winter programme of training had been seriously disrupted by a serious knee injury. His returning figures however of 1 for 11 off 6 overs suggest that he has made a full recovery and bodes well for the season ahead.
Once opening bat Drinkall had been removed, Torrisholme's innings lost momentum and a total of 110 looked well within the home side's reach.
Best figures of the day, 4 for 42, were posted by previous skipper Dan Douglas and other notable performances came from Danny Wilkinson jnr (1 for 4) and young debutant leg spinner Matt Simpson (0 for 18).
The Longridge reply began well with a 35 opening partnership before both Peel and Gale fell in successive overs, the latter for a well made 34.
A middle order collapse saw three wickets fall very cheaply leaving Longridge in trouble at 53 for 5. The damage was repaired by Tim Procter and the ever dependable Danny Wilkinson jnr and when Procter fell with 20 still required it was left to the skipper Simpson to finish the game off with a couple of clean hits.
Although there was a wobble from the middle order batting, there was much to enthuse about from this opener an hopefully an exciting season will ensue.