Despite travelling to Malta, Chelmsford's season got off to the traditional start.

For the first time in over a decade a game in Malta was rained off after Paul Jones (3-21), Ian Clark (3-8) and Sam Faulds (2-12) had bowled Chelmsford into a strong position, dismissing Cedars for 140.

Things brightened up, a five wicket win over host club Marsa and a 54 run defeat of Marsh saw Chelmsford win the mini-tournament.

Keith Goodman (4-13) and Paul Jones (2-27 and 79) were the heroes of a tight game against Marsa. Paul Jones (108) was at it again and Nick Prowting (82) was also amongst the runs as Chelmsford amassed 263-5 against Marsh.

The opening UK fixtures also saw some success. The first team progressed in the League Cup by beating Hutton at Chelmer Park.

The second team had an unlikely draw at Hutton. Lewis Doe (56) was the mainstay of Chelmsford's 201 for 7. Hutton's Lloyd Scott made a brutal hundred as they reached 158 for 2 with 16 overs remaining. Nigel Bond and Andrew Thurston pressurised a young batting side with accurate bowling and in the end, Hutton closed at 199 for 6.

Dave Chidley top scored with 54 of the third team's 150. His son Gary stole the show though with six for 26 as Stratford Wesleyan were bowled out for 115.

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003

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