Come Saturday the clouds parted to tell us that the cricket season had arrived.

Sidbury ventured to Kilmington to start life back in Division F.

They were put into bat on a green wicket and toiled to 133 all out in the 39th over.

Seven batsmen got into double figures, but only Steve Howe made it into the 20s.

Damien Armes next closest with a fast 19 towards the end, and Mark Bishop could have had 20 if only he had run instead of admiring his 7 iron that stopped just short of the rope.

Seven Sidbury batsman were out caught – vulnerable without their winter safety nets.

A low total, with the feeling that runs were left out there, but just enough to give it a go in the field after no tea provided.

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Kilmington sent out Rockett and Cook, but despite their confident demeanour, the first wilted and the second failed to reach a simmer – both bowled out for first-day-ducks courtesy of Toby Whitfield and Alex Paget.

Then came a moment of resistance as Kilmington brought in a more lively Cook, but it was just a flash in the pan before the wickets steadily fell and Kilmington were all out for 94 at the end of the 36th over.

Five catches for Sidbury, the best from young Whitfield who stooped low at mid-wicket to scoop up a fiercely struck ball.

Armes mopped up the middle order and caught the final Kilmington batsman to complete a good all-round performance earning him man of the match, sponsored by Clinch Plumbing and Heating.

The sun shone all day long, and was there in the west to guide Sidbury home after ales and a few good yarns at Ye Old Inn.