Hucknall off to good start in Notts Premier League opener

After bowling out the home side for 189, Hucknall coasted to a seven-wicket victory in 34.1 overs and Johnson said: “It was a really pleasing start.

"We were pretty good actually.

“For our first competitive fixture we did the basics really well.

“We started really well with the ball. They had a decent partnership in the middle, which can happen, especially when the wicket's good.

“Then with the bat we were pretty clinical and didn't really give them a sniff which, when you're chasing a lowish total, is really important.

"We always had the momentum and it was a really dominant display.”

Electing to bat, Sebastian Sayer (41) and Zak Tribe (36) offered some mid-order resistance after new Hucknall's pro Waseem Fazal had seen off three of the top four on his way to 3-39.

Then fellow pro newcomer Sol Budinger hit 58, Hassan Chaudry 47 and Johnson 46 not out as Hucknall took the points.

On the new pro duo's debuts, Johnson said: “I think we saw the best of both of them in terms of what they could offer to us.

“Waseem had a fantastic new ball spell, getting their two best players out reasonably early in the piece.

“Then Sol bowled lovely as well and was at his destructive best with the bat. It was a really good start for both of them.”

This Saturday Hucknall head for Clifton Village and Johnson said: “They had a really good result against a Wollaton side who historically have been a good side in this league.

“I don't think I have ever faced a Clifton side that have been anything but tough to play against. So I expect that again.

“It looks like they have got two good pros, a decent bowling line-up and a decent batting line-up.

“We are expecting a good test and I think it will be a good gauge of where we at as a side.

“But I am always confident in our lads and hopefully we can turn up and put in a really good display and we can come away with a positive result.”