CHAMPIONS Ashton triumphed in the opening contest of the 2002 Eve-sham Indoor League season.

The winners were indebted to a fine knock of 44 from Archer and some superb fielding from Richard Wood who produced four direct hits to see off a quartet of Dum-bleton batsmen.

Archer and Wood added 39 for the first wicket before the latter was one of four run-outs in the Ashton innings.

Haines, who arrived at the wicket with his side struggling on 61-4, helped Archer add 42 valuable runs as a fine Dumbleton display in the field helped skittle the champions for 105.

Piesse was an early casualty in reply but a stand of 49 between Boorman (23) and Stanton (23) left the match delicately poised.

However, after looking comfortable, the reply began to wobble and only Churchman looked a threat as the Ashton attack seized control. And, together with one of the best fielding displays ever seen since the league's formation, the chasers were finally undone 15 runs short with five balls remaining.

The second match was decided even later in the day as Elmley Castle overhauled the 96-5 score of St Benedicts with just two balls to spare.

Powell (22), Dent (21) and Shepherd (31no) helped the Saints post a creditable score but Elmley paced their reply to perfection with Cooper and Woodford both retiring having scored 25 as Webb's unbeaten 19 saw the winners home.

Fixtures for Tuesday: St Benedicts v Dumbleton (8pm); Elmley Castle v Ashton (9).