TWO weeks into the season and Toft Cricket Club are already sitting pretty at the top of the Cheshire County Cricket League Division One.

They opened their season against Cheadle Hulme and thanks to a solid 46 form Jamie Noble and a belligerent 40 from Rich Elmslie, they were able to set the away side 196 to win off 50 overs. Toft's bowlers found good early season rhythm and bowled Cheadle Hulme out for 140 with Matthew Cornes finishing with 5 for 46.

With 24 points in the bag Toft made there way to Birkenhead Park on May Day hoping to exercise some recent demons.

They have consistently struggled against Birkenhead and were delighted to find the ground in immaculate condition and a pitch yielding bounce and pace.

With Park electing to bat Toft steamed into their opponents and should have had more reward than 72 for 2 after 24 overs.

But with drinks just an over away Matthew Cornes picked up his third and fourth wickets in consecutive balls to rip the heart out of Park's batting.

Park lost wickets steadily before Cornes picked up his fifth wicket and Birkenhead were all out for 140.

Cornes with five and Noble with four took the plaudits but special praise should be offered to all the bowlers who bowled well as a unit.

Toft cruised to victory with Hardstaff and captain Muirhead adding 80 for the first wicket.

The skipper went on to carry his bat for an unbeaten 68 ably supported by A Carolan who finished on unbeaten 21.

Toft have netted 49 points out of a possible 50 so far.