Streatham cricket club's new captain Andy Murphy was in optimistic mood despite seeing his team lose by four wickets in their Surrey Division Two season's opener on Saturday.

He said: "Like most teams we're very rusty due to lack of outdoor practice. Though the batting didn't fire, I was pleased with the bowling."

Put into bat at Old Hamptonians, Chris Wells went early but Chris Doyle (31) and debutant Barry Patey (26) added a useful 45 runs in a solid partnership.

At 70 for 2 a good score looked in prospect but wickets tumbled and Streatham were eventually bowled out for 138 in the 49th over.

Good bowling and fine catching gave Streatham a chance of victory but Hamptonians' captain Ed Turnill saw the home side through with an unbeaten 72.

Meanwhile Dulwich opened their Division Three campaign with a hard fought away victory at Old Tiffinians.

They dismissed the home side for 131 with Mark Kelly taking 5 for 19 and then hit 134-6 in reply to win by four wickets.

Graeme Hough top scored with 41 not out and Allen Blackford weighed in with 25.

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