The B-grade Port Douglas Mudcrabs are in a handy position after the first day of their round one, two-day match against Rovers in Far North Cricket.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat, the Muddies made good use of the vastly improved Port Douglas Sports Complex wicket and finished their first innings all out for 197 after 51 overs.

14-year-old opening batsman, Glen Ives, who earned his call-up following numerous representative honours in previous seasons, made his debut for the B-grade Muddies with seven runs before being caught out in the gully.

A 45-run, second-wicket partnership looked to steady the ship for the Muddies with Keith “Golden Arm” Taylor and Dave Joyce making the most of the perfect conditions.

But when Taylor was caught behind for 20 and Joyce (29) fell one run later off a Rob Peters delivery, the Muddies went from being 1 for 50 to 3 for 51.

Enter Simon Cody and acting captain, Josh McConnell, who provided an 84-run partnership to consolidate the innings, despite McConnell sustaining a quad injury and requiring the services of Taylor as runner.

McConnell made 37 after falling to leg spin, and Cody made good shot selection throughout his innings until he lost his wicket for 44 runs.

Youth was again valuable with another talented 14-year-old in David Coulthard making 38 runs before giant fast bowler, Greg Dutton, forced a catch behind.

Another 14-year-old debutant in Ben Shrimpton did his best to support the remaining senior batsman but to no avail, with Daniel Harris, Ben Shrimpton and Matt Muller all falling within 10 runs of each other and leaving Sheldon Waltz not out on eight.

With the injury to McConnell making him unavailable to pull on the gloves to keep for the Muddies, young Ives made an impressive debut as wicket keeper, taking three catches in the Rovers’ innings and looks to hold the position for the remainder of the season.

By stumps, Rovers were on the ropes with 5 for 53 with Ben Vikionkorpi the best with the ball with 5 for 13.

The second day continues this Sunday at 1pm at Port Douglas Sports Complex with captain Nathan King expected to make a return to the side.

Spectators are welcome with a full canteen open and the opportunity to watch some entertaining cricket in stunning surrounds.