Division 1 debutantes Russell, Legion A and Wreckers all found life in the fast lane hard to come to terms with as the Millennium season got under way.
The Ship Wreckers lost a tense battle 2-3 at home to Henries D and the Legion A took only a single point from their home encounter with the Marquee C. The Russell made their long trip back to Polruan with nil points as the Ship Inn Dales (last years Henries B team and the current champions!) began their defence of the title in fine style
Henries A, with only Birdy remaining from the team that came so close to League and Cup glory last year, crashed 4-1 to the Ship Pirates (ex IOTS A). Birdy was Henries Aís only winner, beating an out-of-sorts Burt Stephens, whilst Colin Penhaligan, Jason Toms, Tim Pearce and Dave Elliott were on the mark for the Pirates.
The Marquee A and B started slowly, falling 3-0 behind to Pelynt B and the Drifters, respectively but both took the last two games to achieve a measure of respectability.
Results: Henries A 1-4 Ship Pirates (3-8); Legion A 1-4 Marquee C (3-8); Marquee B 2-3 Drifters (5-8); Pelynt B 3-2 Marquee A (6-6); Ship Inn Dales 5-0 Russell (10-1); Ship Wreckers 2-3 Henries D (4-8).
After unsuccessful campaigns in the top Division last year, both the Boscarn B and the Jolly A found Division 2 more to their liking, registering 4-1 victories over the Globe Trotters and the Bullers. For the Boscarn B, Billy Roberts, Ian Gallimore and the two Bowdler boys did the business, with Joe Stevens replying for the Trotters.
The Jolly's marksmen were Murray Collings, 'Whippet' Williams and the Griffiths Brothers, whilst new signing Jason Kitt was on target for the Bullers.
The Ship Polperro B visited the Lugger at Polruan and came away with the spoils by a narrow margin, winning 3-2. The Ship Bombarders also won 3-2, though in their case the journey was a rather shorter one - across the road to Henries E. Matthew Edwards, Gary Dudley and Brett Pearn sealed the win for Bombarders whilst Wesley Garaghon and Ryan Ockendon replied for Henries.
Results: Boscarn B 4-1 Globe Trotters (9-3); Bullers 1-4 Jolly A (3-9); Henries E 2-3 Ship Bombarders (5-8); Lugger 2-3 Ship Pol B (6-8).
After two consecutive relegation seasons, Pelynt A might have expected an easier time in Division Three but they managed only one frame as the Jolly strike-force of Steve Pote, Ken Bartlam, Mark Chalk, Derek Uren and Paul Jowitt barely batted an eyelid.
It was a similar story at the Boscarn C as the Powell family, aided by James Bull and Paul Goldthorpe, gave the Social the perfect start. Although a little unclear from the card, it looks like Paul Goldthorpe notched up the seasonís first 8-baller ñ perhaps he can ring to confirm this!
The Strugglers B had a good opener, winning 4-1 away at Bar 1 B. The Marquee D, having won promotion from Division 4, edged home 3-2 against the Boscarn E when Michael Spencer took the decider, adding to wins from Neil Hilton and Francis Tucker.
Henries C triumphed by the same margin over the Rowett, thanks to wins from ex Rivercroft signings, Martin and Paula Hamlet, together with a win from Dawn Trew. Daniel Stringer and Jon Puckey replied for the Rowett.
Results: Bar 1 B 1-4 Smugglers B (3-9); Boscarn C 0-5 Social A (2-10); Jolly B 5-0 Pelynt A (10-1); Marquee D 3-2 Boscarn E (6-5); Rowett B 2-3 Henries C (4-7).
The Legion Foreigners opened their account with a 5-0 drubbing of the Crumplehorn, although it must be noted that if the Foreigners' compilation of Marcus Hicks, Geoff Hicks, Matthew Brett, Andy Thomson and Tony Modesto had been declared at the AGM, the team would not have been playing in the basement Division.
The other new Legion team, Glendaís Gamblers, could not repeat the success of their stablemates, going down 3-2 to the Copley. Guy Bericastle, Steve Cotton and Dave Spencer were on the mark for the Copley, while the Gamblers hit back through Nick Hinnitt and Dave Roose.
Results: Crumplehorn 0-5 Legion Foreigners (2-10); Legion Gamblers 2-3 Copley (4-7).
Outstanding - Destroyers v Islanders, Jubilee v Millendreath B, Strugglers A v Noughts B.