NORTHWOOD TOWN began the cricket season in convincing style with a 73-run win over Hillingdon Manor.
Fielding a mixed side, Town gave debuts to Australian Brendan Heaney and Dominic Whyley. However, Sascha Negrini had the worst possible start to the season when he broke two fingers in the warm-up, leaving Town at a disadvantage, having to field 10 men.
Skipper Raj Ahluwalia lost the toss and the visitors were asked to bat on a slow wicket. Ahluwalia opened the batting himself with Mike Lister but Lister was an early casualty before Rohan Lee came in to continue his excellent form from last season. He and Ahluwalia (38) put on 90, the pair deliberately opening up with some expansive shots.
Once the skipper was dismissed, Phil Costard came in to play an initial patient innings before playing his usual attacking game.
Lee was eventually out for a valuable 60 while Costard carved out 45 as Town finished their 40 innings on 196-6.
In reply, Neal Furmenger took an early wicket for Town but the hosts began to take a hold, reaching 75-1 before Johanes Van EE made a crucial breakthrough.
From then on, it was Town's match as Brendan Heaney enjoyed his first spell of English cricket with 3-27.
Ahluwalia brought himself on to continue with the attack, much to the horror of the rest of the team, and he proceeded to take 4-10 off five overs with his usual blistering pace.
The hosts were dismissed for 123 as Northwood ran out convincing winners.
