It has been a tough season to date for the Port Douglas Mudcrabs B Grade team, but they're off to a flying start against United.

Skipper, Nathan King, has won every toss for the year and chosen to bowl. But his team were keen to pull the pads on first after another coin landed his way.

After incessant rain caused the covers to remain in place for longer than usual, the pitch was slow, providing some difficult conditions for openers King and Thwaites.

Despite this, the outfield was lightning fast and gave full value for shots which allowed the opening pair to establish a strong partnership.

After 16 overs and With the score on 47, Thwaites was caught off the bowling of Bartholomew for 16.

Palmer joined King and was playing some nice straight drives before losing concentration and playing a poor shot to be caught on 18.

Varcoe, who made 68 last week, was in great form but was controversially caught behind for 14 with the score on 4-112.

Meanwhile, King was accumulating the runs making 41 off 76 balls before being trapped in front, LBW from the bowling of Marshall.

McConnell strode to the crease and hit top gear, playing some beautiful drives and being well supported by Taylor. After a valuable partnership of 46 (36 of these from the bat of McConnell), an outside edge from McConnell's bat sent him back to the pavilion.

Taylor continued to play an anchoring role with 28 off 87 balls, but Koch removed him with the score on 199.

First time player, Alex Bendle, came in at number 11 and finished with 7 not out as the Muddies score totalled 209 after 66.2 overs of play.

With time enough for five overs before stumps, King unleashed Ben Vikionkorpi who had snared 14 wickets in the previous match. While he was economical with 0-2 off three overs, it was the first gamer, Bendle, who struck the blow, removing Tattersall for a duck with a caught and bowled.

At stumps the Muddies are in a strong position with United 1-2 and a run yet to be scored off the bat. 

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