Feniton enjoyed a ‘perfect’ opening day when they brushed aside the challenge of visiting Alphington in their first Tolchards Devon League C Division East game of the season.

Feniton skipper Mark Salter won the toss and wasted little time in inviting the Exeter-based side to bat first.

The Alphas made a respectable, if quiet start, but once the initial break through was made – a superb pick up and throw by Alex Frankpitt to knock over the stumps at the non strikers end – wickets began to fall at regular intervals. There was precious little resistance offered by the batting side as four of the five Feniton bowlers shared the wicket taking honours.

t was second change bowler Matthew Davies, who took the honours with his return of 3-15 from five overs while opener Jon French claimed 3-24 from nine and Kev Brandon, who sent down one over and four balls, ended with figures of 2-6 the other wicket fell to Mark Kingdom, who finished with figures 1-18 from nine overs as Alphington were bundled out for just 89, 23 of which were extras.

With 15 overs to play before the regulation tea break, Feniton skipper Salter led the run chase, but lost opening partner Stuart Bright to a hamstring injury – the seasoned campaigner, called up from his regular 2nd XI work to help out – limped off and was replaced by another 2nd XI regular, Kev Brandon.

The pair saw their side to tea without a wicket being lost.

Post tea Brandon fell in the first over and Salter, who top scored with 34, went soon after, but Feniton eased home, losing just three wickets and wrapping up a comprehensive victory in 24 overs and one ball.

Salter said: “It was the perfect way to start the new league season. For me the biggest plus, part from winning the game, was the way the lads who stepped up from the 2nds did. Our bowlers bowled good lines – John [French] bowled superbly and, on another day, might have had five or six wickets, and the support fielding was good.”

He continued: “The key with the chase was to get a solid start. It was a shame we lost Stuart [Bright] to a hamstring injury, but Kev [Brandon] stepped up and, by tea, we had taken charge.”

On Saturday Feniton head for Budleigh II, who lost their opening game, beaten by Clyst Hydon. Salter says: “These 2nd XIs we are facing are very much an unknown and I guess their strength will vary depending on availability for their 1st XIs. For our part we may have a few back and so will be stronger so I hope we can go there and give a good account of ourselves. I am sue the lads will relish playing a league game at Ottermouth.”