GLANGRWYNEY started their season with a narrow seven run defeat on a rare Summer's day away at picturesqe Almeley.

Upon winning the toss, skipper Colin Griffiths duly inserted Almeley and tight spells by opening bowlers Haydn Davies (two for 30 off 12) and 16-year-old Richard James (two for 27 off 10) kept Almeley to 35 for two off 12.

First change bowlers Nick James (two for 70 off 12) and Colin Griffiths (two fror 26 off 11) then made further inroads, helped by good catches from Geriant James (2), one off his son Richard, with wicket keeper Tony James taking a neat catch off his son Nick and Paul Daniels catching one of his own.

With wickets in hand Almeley pushed on to 161 for eight, a total that Glan on paper were well capable of getting.

A steady start by openers Paul Daniels (12) and Lewis Morgan (10) and a quickfire 34 by Nick James kept Glan on course but Almeley skipper Alan Griffiths (Four for 13 off 12) put the brakes on and Glan were soon behind the clock with 30 needed off the last five overs.

Newcomer Jonty Jones (29) made a valiant effort but with 16 needed off the last over, veterans Haydn Davies (seven not out) and Colin Griffiths (seven not out) settled for the losing draw. picking up a credible nine points to Almeley's 16.