THE Swift Signs Evening League finally got under way as the early summer rains relented.

Reigning Division One champions Moby Dick’s Bears got their title defence off to the best possible start by recording a win in their opening fixture against the Balti House.

Batting first the Balti House lost early wickets to the Bears’ new ball attack of Jim Ryall (2-25) and Sami Rathnayake (1-15). Balti’s Elil Thureirajah (17) and Richard Bament (14) briefly steadied the ship before a renewed attack from Laurie Whyte (2-17) and Bill Trevett (2-6) put an end to the recovery.

Despite a late rally from Ian Tibble (10), the Balti House slumped to 73 all out.

In reply, Moby Dick’s top order got reasonable starts before all being bowled, as Thureirajah (2-20) and Andy Jarvis (2-15) benefitted from the early pressure applied by Sam Polley’s (0-15) opening spell.

It was left to the cool heads of Dave Pearce (16no) and Rathnayake to lead their side to a five-wicket win with a ball to spare.

In Division Two, Budmouth are looking to bounce back from last year’s relegation and got their campaign under way with a 23-run victory over Wessex Gasworks.

Baney (26) and Anderson (34) laid the foundations for a big score after early wickets, but their departures saw Budmouth finish on 84-4.

Wessex Gasworks’ innings got off to a rocky start as Budmouth’s openers Anderson (2-8) and Oliver (4-15) tore through the top order.

Tucker (32no) mounted a lone recovery, but his efforts were not enough as his partners fell by the wayside and the Gasworks were all out for 61.

Southill Snooker Club are aiming to go one better than last season’s second-place finish and started this year with a win against the Portland Arms.

The Arms set a conservative total of 64-4 from their 16 overs, with Jon Cameron top scoring on 23.

Southill’s bowlers kept it very tight, with James Dunham (1-8), Derek Legg (0-10) and Steven Legg (1-9) giving little away from their 12 overs.

The Arms responded brightly by taking a flurry of early wickets, with Johnson (2-18) and Locke (1-15) leading the attack. However, they were unable to dislodge Dunham who secured the points with an unbeaten knock of 39.