A TERRIFIC game kicked off the season at Windsor Park, though unfortunately for Chorley it didn't prove to be a winning start.

The crowd though were treated to a quite magnificent feast of batting particularly by Chorley's Tom Smith and Netherfield professional Peter Stryden.

Batting first, Chorley posted a useful 240/5 on a good wicket with Smith batting through the innings for a magnificent unbeaten 139.

An unfortunate run out punctured an opening stand of 68 with Mawdesley the fall guy but a superb stand of 112 between Smith and Fazackerley provided the base for Chorley's final total.

Fazackerley eventually departed hit wicket for a fine 57 but Smith moved on unperturbed ultimately cracking 14 boundaries and five sixes in his mammoth effort.

Netherfield though set about their task in positive fashion with, crucially, Walmsley being dropped by Richardson in Bill Smith's first over. Walmsley went on to make exactly 50 but Stryden played the major role as the visitors professional rattled off a ton at a run a ball and, in tandem with Girdhan's unbeaten 34, took part in an unbroken stand of 96 to see Netherfield home to 12 points.

The absence of professional Stephen John delayed by visa problems did not help Chorley's cause but, while the spoils of victory went to Netherfield, the abiding memory will always be of Smith's majestic innings.

What a player he is! And what an innings he played!

On Saturday Chorley are at home again when they host Leyland Motors.

Final score: Chorley 240/5 Netherfield 243/3