AUSTRALIAN recruit Shaun Cartwright was in devastating form as Brockhampton got their first Birmingham and District Premier League Division 3 campaign off to a flying start with a seven-wicket win over county rivals Kington at The Parks.

The seamer bowled unchanged at one end and finished on 6-28 off 16.1 overs as Kington were shot out in the 33rd over for just 64. The home team lost an early wicket but recovered to sail home in the 25th over for the loss of three wickets.

Only four batsmen reached double figures against the all seam attack of Cartwright, Chris Boroughs (2-25 off 12 overs) and Richie Parker (2-9 off 4). Opener Chris Powell made a top-score of 13.

Dharshana Gamage had Ashley Nahorniak caught by Kington skipper Dave Exall at the start of the Brockhampton reply, but this brought the experienced Boroughs in to join Adam Hewlett.

The pair pushed the score along before Gamage removed both Hewlett (20) and then Henry Langford in quick succession. Nick Denny joined Boroughs (37 no) and the pair eased Brockhampton to the win and a 20-point haul with plenty to spare. Kington picked up just one point.

Gamage, in his first game since returning to the county from Sri Lanka, finished with the respectable figures of 3-36 off 12.1 overs) His best support came from off-spinner Owen Price who conceded just 10 runs from his six overs.

The result must have given Owen’s father Edward mixed emotions, obviously thrilled at picking up a win in his new role as coach to the home side, but surely downcast that it should be against the club he represented all of his playing career.