Charfield started their new venture in the Stroud District League with a win over Stroud.

Steve Morgan (18) and David Gorman (23) put on a good 44 run partnership for Charfield’s first wicket before Gorman was clean bowled by a full toss from Jamie Castle (3-39).

Two quick wickets fell shortly after that but Morgan, who was struggling with an injury, battled on with a runner before eventually being caught, leaving Charfield on 57-4.

Nick Hunt (17) and Matt Toms (47) steadied the innings but both were eventually caught with Toms popping up a catch just three runs short of his first half-century on his debut for the club.

Oliver Holmes (4-24) eventually finished off Charfield, making it a competitive total for Stroud to chase.

Stroud progressed to 48-1 with Moore (20) and Whittenbury (17) playing well. Charfield broke through with wickets for with Toms (3-25), who confirmed his all-rounder status with a very steady spell, and Michael Colborn (2-35).

Gorman took two good catches close in and Morgan got down to a bottom edge behind the stumps.

The dreaded rain started falling, but the umpires allowed play to continue, and the pace of Thomas took Charfield to the brink of victory.

A fast yorker with his second ball of his spell, and a beauty to bowl the dangerous Tom Legg in his next over, left Stroud struggling on 71-7.

Tony Field (2-12), in his debut over, picked up two stumpings from wicketkeeper Morgan.

Thomas (3-17) then hit the stumps a third time to wrap up the victory, giving Charfield victory and a perfect start to the season.