PHC made a triumphant return to the domestic cricket league in front of their own supporters at PHC Field on Sunday after handing First Division 50 overs rivals Somerset Bridge a 103-run defeat.

All-rounder Chris Douglas led the home team’s charge as he belted 81 in their total of 199 all out in 41.2 overs after they won the toss and opted to take first strike.

Douglas also featured prominently in PHC’s bowling attack, claiming two for ten off just three overs as the visitors were dismissed for 96 in 23.4 overs.

Gavin Manders (37), Kevin Sunga (19 not out) and Darrien Gibbons (18) were the remaining PHC batters managing double figures.

Dionte Dowling was the pick of the bowling with three for 29, while Gibbons (two for 17) and Ori Wilson (two for 15) claimed two wickets apiece.

PHC coach Cal Waldron was delighted to get the victory under his belt but admits there is still room for growth.

“It was a good match for a season-opener for the players to actually get in the middle after practising since February and see what they have been working on and execute it in a game scenario,” Waldron told The Royal Gazette.

“Kudos to the players that executed their goals and game plans well and those who need to improve and sharpen up in little areas, we will go over that again in the next training session.

“We are definitely looking to get better, even by the smallest percentage, to have a complete game.

“We were 50 balls or so way from batting a complete innings, so we are almost there, but we need to make slight improvements so players can understand and execute the match more efficiently and effectively.

“It was good to get the first game playing some debutants and some guys that haven’t played for a while, particularly at this level of cricket.”

Waldron said the spectators that turned up were equally as thrilled to see cricket return to the Warwick ground after an absence of a year.

“Having league cricket at Stadium Lane was good for the community,” he added.

“It was definitely a vibe and buzz in the area to stop to Stadium Lane and watch cricket back at PHC. It was good for the community to have that atmosphere and that feeling back at PHC Field.”

Noel Woods took three for 39 while Callum McIntosh struck a team-high 20 in a losing cause for Bridge.

The remaining First Division 50 overs matches saw Devonshire and Warwick get their league campaigns off to perfect starts.

Devonshire prevailed by 88 runs against Bermuda Under-19 at Devonshire Recreation Club on Saturday, despite national player Luke Horan picking up a hat-trick.

Chris Dailey struck 62 and Ancoma Cannonier 42 as Devonshire Rec scored 182 all out in 32.4 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.

New-ball pair Jahzardae Samuels then bagged five for 40 and Shaquille Pitcher four for ten as Bermuda Under-19 were skittled for 94 in 22.2 overs.

Isaiah O'Brien (ten), E Minks (13 not out) and Zack Gibbons (13) were the only Bermuda Under-19 batters in double figures, while Luke Horan achieved a hat-trick on the way to figures of three for 22 to lead their bowling attack.

Warwick prevailed by two wickets over hosts Southampton Rangers at Southampton Oval on Sunday.

Third-change bowler Marcus Johnson claimed four for 18 while Malachi Jones (two for 31) and Luke Horan (two for 22) seized two wickets each as Rangers posted 111 all out in 30.1 overs. Najiyah Raynor (34), captain Dalin Richardson (33) and Jahmari Beach (ten) were the only batters in double figures.

Warwick made hard work of their run chase and found their backs against the wall at 95 for eight in the 25th over before Johnson (16) and Nwomiko Rock (eight) produced a match-winning ninth-wicket partnership to carry them across the line in 31.4 overs.

Jahcobi Butterfield (16), Callum MacFarlane (17) and wicketkeeper Omari Deshields (12) were the other Warwick batsmen in double figures, while Donte Brangman led the Rangers bowling attack with five for 39 and Makai Jacobs claimed two for 19.

“It was a really good game and very important to get off to a good start,” Warwick coach Lorenzo Tucker said.

“Rangers always give us a tough time so we knew it was going to be a tough game.”

“When we bowled them out we felt pretty good about our performance in the field, which was great.

“It got very sticky chasing 112 and when you get Kwasi James, Staphen Dill, Cory Burgess and Malachi Jones all scoring under ten, you are going to struggle, but we got the win and this is surely going to put us in a good spirit going forward.

“It was a really important win for us, especially now with only one round of 50 overs.

“You can’t afford to slip up and I am very proud of the guys and we are looking forward to winning this league and getting promoted.”