Papplewick lose in opening showdown with rivals Cuckney

But captain Sam Ogrizovic remained positive, saying: “You don't become a bad team overnight and we are still very confident.”

William Butler made 70 in Cuckney's 216-9 total, Daniel Blatherwick taking 4-35 and Ben Bhabra 3-52.

But Papplewick lost Aussie Brent Williams (15) with just 18 on the board and never got going. Freddie McCann made 29 but the last five wickets went for just 27 runs.

“It was very disappointing, though I don't think it was as bad as it looked on paper. Cuckney are a really good side,” said Ogrizovic.

“The toss was very important and we had a couple of things that went against us. But we were not good enough in the end and they out-played us.”

Cuckney were even without their two professionals, but Ogrizovic said: “They had prepared a very used pitch and had a load of spinners. We would probably rather have faced a bit more pace on the ball to be honest.

“They used home advantage to their advantage and we'd have done exactly the same. They absolutely nailed their plan and I don't think their two pros would have come into it just because of the pitch they'd prepared to be honest.”

He added: “I think we batted badly throughout. You can't put it on the tail.

“There were no real highlights to shine on, but there were certainly some learning points for us and hopefully when we are in that position next time we can be better.”

This Saturday they are at home to Attenborough and Ogrizovic said: “They had a disappointing start at Hucknall as well and are going to be looking to put things right.

“From what I can gather they have signed Joey Everson from Notts, who is a very, very good player and they are going to be a very hungry and dangerous team on Saturday.

“But obviously we are confident to try to get our first 'W' on the board.”