HATHERLEIGH captain Mark Lake was cock-a-hoop after his side defeated A Division new boys Ivybridge by 51 runs.
There were half-centuries for Gareth Tidball and Rob Cockwill in Hatherleigh’s total of 217 for nine.
Openers Matt Thomas (34) and Danny Forrester (19) gave Hatherleigh a 54-run start, then Tidball took over.
By the time Jamie Bullock trapped Tidball lbw for 69, Hatherleigh had reached 158 for four.
Cockwill had already settled in by then – he and Tidball notched 56 for the firth wicket – and he batted through to the end for his 55 not out.
Bullock (1-22), Harry Solomon (2-31) and Jeewan deSilva (2-30) were the most economical bowlers. Josh Cocker (3-55) was a bit more expensive.
Ivybridge were soon in trouble at 22 four in the 11th over – Charlie Nielson (3-18) largely responsible.
A stand of 46 between deSilva (66) and Solomon repaired some of the damage.
Matt Thomas (3-22) kept the pressure on for Hatherleigh, but Ivybridge didn’t buckle too soon.
Skipper Kelvin Trent made 47 in a stand of 72 with deSilva that kept the visitors in the game.
Mark Lake spun out deSilva and 14 runs later Trent fell to Thomas.
Ivybridge’s last four wickets went for 12 runs added as they faded to 155 all out.
“Everyone contributed to a good start and an all round good performance,” said Lake.
“For the first game of the season I couldn't have asked for anymore.
Gareth and rob cockwill batted very well and Charlie Nielson was very good with the ball and was backed up by all the bowlers.”
Hatherleigh go to Cornwood this Saturday. Ivybridge have a derby date with Plympton.
