Skipton will be earnestly hoping that their first day in Section B of the Airedale & Wharfedale League is a foretaste of things to come.

Their seven-wicket win over Ilkley at Sandylands was their first since August, 2000 and included a top bowling display from their new Kiwi guest Will Deerness and a century opening stand from Kevin Owens and Steve Carling.

Messrs Owens and Carling are still part of the Skipton LMS bid for Cup honours, but they switched sports with impressive facility to launch their cricket season in fine style.

Carling, who finished with 96, produced the club's highest total for some time and in sharing in a stand of 138 with Owens, who made 54, put the side on course for a morale-boosting win.

"It looked as though we might be heading for a 10-wicket victory at one stage, but a break for rain interrupted their innings and may have damaged their concentration," said skipper Geoff Fryers. "They batted really well and when the stand was broken, Martyn Windle came and kept us moving forward.

"If there was one aspect of the game that needs working on it is the catching - we probably dropped four chances - but overall, the bowling was tight and accurate, with Will (Deerness) looking as though we can depend on him to produce a lengthy spell. He also fielded very well, which was another boost.

Graham Williamson bowled well into a stiff breeze, Andrew Fergie tied things up pretty well over a long spell and Ji Mukherjee claimed a couple of important wickets when we needed them."

Skipton visit Illingworth tomorrow.