CROWLE crashed to a three-wicket defeat against Himbleton in their opening game of the season at Spetchley Park.

Without a number of first teamers, it was always going to be a difficult game for incoming captain Lyndon Bendall.

Crowle batted first and got off to a good start with regular opener Ian Hope and newcomer Rob Bawden putting on 30 in six overs.

However, the loss of Hope to a stunning caught-and-bowled, followed by Bawden clean-bowled, began a steady fall of wickets.

Crowle were on 62-8 until the final partnership of man-of-the-match Andy Hawes and Mike McCarthy bolstered the innings to 117 all out.

Hawes was caught for 44 with McCarthy finishing on four not out.

Himbleton lost early wickets due to the bowling of Hawes, supported by Bendall.

Hawes took four wickets in his eight overs.

Himbleton were struggling on 62-6 at one stage.

The introduction of Hope towards the end came too late as Himbleton reached their target off 26 overs with seven wickets down.