BELVEDERE started the season suffering a rain-affected defeat at the hands of a strong Wellington side.

BELVEDERE started the season suffering a rain-affected defeat at the hands of a strong Wellington side.

Having lost the toss and being asked to field, Andy Loud showed good control, producing a fine 12-over spell that included the wickets of Gill and Sparks, Gill well caught in the gully by Joe Gadd.

Captain Short played a solid innings driving well through the fast outfield. The introduction of Dave Taylor accounted for the wickets of Hendy and Short, with Jermaine Jones taking an exceptional outfield catch. After a rain delay with the game evenly balanced, the Belvedere bowlers struggled to regain the control they had previously with Latifi and Holloway showing positive intent, producing a partnership of 113, taking the game away from Belvedere.

Sam McCrea produced an excellent spell of bowling culminating in the wicket of Holloway, well stumped by veteran Ray Dibben. Wellington finished their innings on 230-5.

With only 38 overs to bat, Belvedere began the task of gaining batting points knowing that the target would be too much to achieve with the overs allocated. Gullick was the first to go adjudged leg before for six and Jones soon followed for 13.

Wickets continued to fall regularly as Wellington frequently changed their bowling. The introduction of Baycock and Moysey proved to be vital for Wellington as stubborn resistance by Chadwick, McCrea and Huxtable seemed to be leading Belvedere to a losing draw. Moysey proving particularly effective taking 4-14 from 8.5 overs.

With only seven balls remaining, Moysey produced an unplayable delivery to give Wellington the victory Belvedere finishing on 79 all out.

Buildbase man of match goes to Sam McCrea for a fine bowling display and resolute batting performance under pressure.

A POOR start to the new season for Belvederes 2nds, having won the toss and opting to field.

Belvedere's bowling attack set about Wellington from the start with Michael Hosey bowling well on debut, ending with figures of 8-0-39-1. Belvederes fielders held some great catches, it looked as if it could be over quickly but a captain's performance from S Rudd ensured Wellington batted out their overs to score 196-9.

Belvedere's response with the bat got off to a poor start with the exception of Ian Taskers (73), John Lodges (23), Robert Statham (20), Jamie Loud (10), the other batsman failing to reach double figures, falling just short with 192 all out. Buildbase man of the match was shared between I Tasker and R Statham.