Beetley began life in the Norfolk Cricket League Division Two West at Garboldisham B.

Beetley were asked to bat first on a pleasant afternoon at Garboldisham's impressive and expanding complex.

Openers Gary Hinchliffe and Tony Crockert began watchfully against a impressive opening attack. Hinchliffe, with his eye in, played two lovely cuts for four before skying an attempted drive for 10.

Brother Mark Hinchliffe, with his first two scoring shots being sixes, and Crockert took the score to 42 before Mark was bowled for 21.

Captain Michael Calvert and Crockert then rebuilt steadily, both playing watchfully while despatching the odd bad ball before Crockert was unfortunately run out for 36, an innings which included six fours. Calvert played well for his 52 (one six and seven fours) before advancing down the pitch to the wily variable pace of Peter Barnes and being stumped.

Beetley's innings then rather stumbled along to end on 146-8 off 45 overs and three batting points. Garboldisham's bowlers deserve credit, especially P Carr with exceptional figures of 10-6-5-3 while their fielding was also top class.

Garboldisham chased down the 146 inside 34 overs with contributions from opener A Freake (37), D Moon (43 not out) and to cap a fine all round game P Carr (44 not out).

Beetley's bowlers stuck manfully to their task but their only successes were a fine caught and bowled by Calvert (1-24) and a wicket on debut from Lewis Jones (1-39).

Beetley host Drayton on Saturday (1.30pm, Beetley Playing Field).

The 46th Norfolk Cricket League season got under way on Saturday, and the early joint leaders in the top flight are promoted teams Castle Rising and St Andrews.

Rising thrashed fellow promoted team Castle Acre by 10 wickets, Ollie Denton hitting 43no after Mahesh Sammaki (3-11) and Usman Chandary (3-15) did the damage with the ball.

Imran Mohammed (75) and Gareth Ward (4-38) led the way for St Andrews against Felthorpe. Happisburgh shrugged off their controversial demotion from the Alliance with a seven-wicket win over local rivals Overstrand.

Ryan Sturgess smashed an unbeaten 84 as they recovered from 17-3 to win without further alarm.