THE start of the Inshore Fisheries Langbaurgh League for 2010 was all about new beginnings for Hartlepool Power Station as they began their first ever season in the top flight with an emphatic win over visitors Great Broughton.

Even though this was just the first game of the campaign it is unlikely any knock will top Liam Prosser’s 164 in the remainder of the year as he massacred the Broughton attack in helping his side amass 328-3.

Prosser’s efforts ensured the visitors had little hope, but skipper Andre White (60no) and Andrew Darcy (55) used the opportunity to gain some valuable time at the crease as they eased their side up to a respectable 177-4.

The league’s other newly promoted side, Norton, didn’t have quite the same outcome as they came up against Stafford Place.

In a strange twist of fixture fate, Stafford were pitted against the side who should have replaced them in the first division this year. However, Maltby’s venture into the NYSD League ensured Place’s survival, and the opening day performance suggested better times ahead as they registered a seven-wicket success thanks to Danny McAuley’s 63.

While a new season brings new hope to many sides, some things seem to remain forever the same. Kirby Sigston’s Dave Thompson, the League’s top batsman for a staggering eight consecutive years, started out with 72 on a surface that favoured the bowlers. Unusually, his knock took 38 overs, but its value was demonstrated by subsequent events. Sigston finished on 139-9 and then East Harlsey crumbled to 66 all out under an inspired spell from Paul Nicholson (8-28).

Kildale (175) thought they had enough on the board when they hosted Moorsholm, John Doyle (44) leading the way. However Liam Crooks (4-75) kept the home side in check, and then in a heated run chase Keith Harding (31no) held his nerve to lead his side to a one-wicket victory after Rob Whitwell (48) and Stephen Pearson (49) had set the ball rolling.

In the remaining match in Division One, Hutton Rudby defeated Crathorne by nine wickets, with Matt Hennessey in total control as he ended unbeaten on 94 for the victors.

In Division Two, Scruton look to have bolstered their line-up significantly with the addition of Ian Place, a player with vast NYSD experience, and he was instrumental in their 90-run win over East Harlsey B. Place struck 65, and along with brother John (50), he helped his new team to an impressive 223-4. This proved to be 90 too many for their opponents with only Andy Broadley (48) and Peter Mason (36) looking likely to mount a challenge.

Ingleby Greenhow are looking for an immediate return to the top flight, and with new signing James Hewson (82no) in form with the bat, and Charlie Campbell (5-29) on song with the ball, the season couldn’t have got off to a better start than their 74 run win against Hutton Rudby B.

Swainby got themselves up and running on day one as they held their nerve to secure a 25- run win over Skelton Castle. Their success owed much to the form shown by the Gallagher brothers who shared eight wickets between them. Jamie’s four cost 26, while Stuart’s came at a mere 12 apiece, as Castle were toppled for just 99.