Losing the toss, Muddies Green was sent into the field against Rovers who were playing their first game of the season.

Troy Shepherd had done a superb job preparing the wicket and the weather obliged as new player Jules Smith and developing junior Kaiden Sorensen opened the bowling (despite a nervous Mum watching).

Jules was a little erratic but certainly troubled both batsmen with missed catching chances, and Sorensen broke through in his fourth over, caught low by Doble to have Rovers 1/18 off 8 overs.

A 69 run partnership ensued as King (0/23) and Miglioranza also had missed catches before Walz (1/19, yet injured) had a feathered edge well caught behind by McCullough.

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At 2/103 shortly after tea Rovers looked well set as Muddies had missed their early chances at batsman Cook (57) who continued to squeeze runs generally in areas he had not intended.

But it was Sorensen (5/23 off 13 overs) who followed the instruction to drop in a short one and was rewarded with the key scorer’s wicket to one of two great catches by Smith, in a spell returning 4/7 off 17 deliveries to have Rovers on their knees.

Miglioranza (2/19 off 10) managed two LBW’s in as many balls, followed by a quick 2/4 off 15 deliveries by Dan Redfern to wrap up a team turnaround of 8/33, Rovers all out 136.

Muddies Green openers started well before a dubious LBW, to leave Darlington and King unbeaten at 1/27 ready for next week.