Champions Cronkbourne got their season off to a great start with a stunning 32 run victory over the Rest of the Island.

Batting first, the Tromode side looked dead and buried after the first nine overs. Skipper Steve Slack had decided to bat and watched in horror as his top three batsmen were blown away by Akkie van den Berg.

He reduced the Douglas team to 10 for 3 before Adam McAuley and Carl Wagstaffe fought back. Van den Berg then had Wagstaffe well caught by Danny Kniveton for 10 and Cronkbourne were 42 for 4.

Ollie Webster made it 43 for 5 and the home supporters were in despair. McAuley was caught and bowled by Bruce Wagstaff for a gritty 28 with the total on 71.

Then skipper Slack and Bob Dix staged a revival. They had a stand of 42 before Dix fell to a fiery Garreth Roome. Slack was trapped by Webster for a lively 35 and the innings folded on 128.

Van den Berg, who became a father during the week, celebrated in style with an impressive haul of 5 for 13 from seven overs.

Despite losing an early wicket, the Rest of the Island looked on course for victory as they reached 39 for 1. Then Luke Lacey claimed two quick wickets and the home team were back in the game.

Good bowling and snappy fielding boosted Cronkbourne with Alex Stokoe turning in a fine spell of 3 for 20. The Rest wilted before losing three more wickets with the total on 81. Despite a last wicket stand, they were dismissed for 96.

Greg Hawke and Phil Littlejohns top scored with 15, but could not stop Cronkbourne winning by 32 runs. This victory will boost the Tromode men's hopes of retaining the Premiership title.