A SPLENDID knock by Parkend's opening batsman Jim Crawley laid the foundations for a comfortable victory over Wye Valley rivals Penallt and Redbrook.

Crawley's contribution was a nicely crafted knock of 79. When his wicket fell with Parkend's total 164 for 4, the Valley team had already cooked their goose. Parkend then accelerated away to close their innings at 227 for 7.

There were occasions when Crawley rode his luck but Parkend's middle order gave him great support. Batting at three, Fran Gabaldoni contributed 15 as did the next batsman, Andy Taylor.

A rapid 41 from Dan James and a quickfire knock of 16 by Aaron Parsons completed the damage.

Gareth Jones was P and R's main wicket-taker. He took 4 for 51 while Lyndon Jacques picked up 2 for 31, also off 8.

The Valley team's response was steady and they were soon behind the run rate. Half the wickets were down for 88 and the innings closed on 162 all out. Keith Powles was top scorer with 41 and there were useful contributions from Simon Owens (18) and Lyndon Jacques (17).

Stand-in skipper Gabaldoni describes Parkend's start to the season as "solid". The club, he said, had invested in a policy to encourage young cricketers and there were now teams playing at three age groups, under 11, under 13 and under 15.

The 13s had, he said, recently beaten Lydney, and the 11s had beaten Newent.

"It's a very welcoming club and obviously the kids really enjoy it," he added.

The club recently hit the headlines when a hole appeared in the outfield.

"Some say its a well and others old mine workings. It is a target for batsmen and they are all trying to hit the ball down the hole. No-one has managed it yet and perhaps there ought to be a prize for the first to achieve it," said Fran.