and heavy defeat at the hands of an Eastern Counties team.

A year ago they celebrated their entry into the Premier Division by suffering a 10-wicket loss to Flatts after posting 50.

Yesterday, they won the toss at Sea Breeze Oval and could only manage 69 after batting first as Dennis Bell again leading their batting, this time with 20 after coming to the crease in the first over.

PHC's problems began as early as the third ball of the match when Clarkie Trott trapped Kallan Johnston lbw.

A third wicket stand of 32 -- the team's biggest -- between Bell and Sheridan Ming enabled PHC to recover slightly before Trott claimed the next four wickets on his way to impressive figures of seven for 39 from 15.5 overs.

Sheridan Ming (10) and Ty Williams (15) were the only other PHC batsmen in doubles as they slumped to 53-7 before the last three wickets went for just four runs. Gibbons supported Trott with three for 22 off 15 overs as Bay used just two bowlers.

They were given a solid start when captain Chris Smith (31 not out) and Devrae Hollis (15) put on 32 for the first wicket. Hollis was the only wicket to fall but Clarkie Darrell stayed with his captain to the end to finish with 16 not out.

Devonshire 226-9 Police 100-3 Veteran all-rounder Erskine Smith scored 55 and Albert Steede followed with 37 as Devonshire Rec. and Police played to a draw at Police field.

Social Club 148 Warwick 149-6 Warwick got off to a positive start to '94 with a four wicket triumph over perennial strugglers Social Club at Southampton Oval. No other details were available at press time.