Playing their first home game in a month, Under 12 Muddies captain Curtis lost the toss, and in an enterprising move Atherton2 sent the junior Muddies into bat.

Davenport (6) and Killeen (5no) opened the batting finding space in the field to take quick singles until Davenport fell to a good catch and Killeen retired.

Deuble (29no) started his innings steadily before hitting maximum warp speed blasting 24 in 8 balls then retiring.

A mix up between batsmen saw a strong hitting Stanaway (3) head back to base while Scotty Cooper avoided an early beam ball and was unfortunately bowled five balls later.

Edward and newcomer McDowall boldly took the crease as their teammates did before them, both playing solidly and retiring 1not out. Defensively sound X.Darlington (1) lost his wicket skying a loose delivery, then Twoomey (15no) and Rayner (8no) forced the field back with some lusty hitting.

The captain logged 9 runs off 3 balls to close out the innings at 6/132.

Determined, Atherton made the most of a long trek to Mossman. The Muddies took their first wicket with the score at 110 when Cooper fielded a runout.

Shortly after Douglas regular and Atherton substitute Doble miss-timed a drive which Deuble was able to cling on to the catch from his own bowling while Allison (16no), also substituting for the opposition, prospered from the encounter hitting four four’s on route to retirement.

The game was in its final phase and Atherton seemed stunned. Rayner (0/6), debutant Mcdowall (0/2) and P.Darlington (0/2) all bowled maidens in the final overs with Conner (1/6) on route to picking up the final wicket of the day giving Atherton 16 more than the Muddies after 26 overs.