The Second XI appeared to have difficulty in dusting off the cobwebs from the close season but still managed to pick up a losing draw at home to Bramhall.

After winning the toss and electing to field the home team found themselves clattered around The BCC by Bramhall opener A Hunt (68*) and Stuart Stoneman (81) with Stoneman’s 81 coming from just 58 balls.

Newcomer Richard Slater (2-72 off 14) looked dangerous on his debut and was backed up by the ever-reliable Chris Moore (1-35 off 10) but the damage was inflicted early and often as the visitors racked up a total of 223-4 from their 50 overs.

The hosts response never really got off the ground with only returning youngsters Daniel O’Gorman (35) and Joe Gill (25*) who really troubled the scorers. It was left to Gill and Chris Moore to see out the 50 overs and claim the first 3 points of the season.

The Second XI are away to Stockport Georgians next Saturday 28th April and will look to improve their performance against a side that finished strongly last season.