THE New Forest Indoor Cricket League's newly elected chairman Peter Tapper opened the league's season in excellent style by leading Lymington to a three-wicket victory over Paultons in their bid to retain the Division 1 championship.

Andrew Collins (26) and Steve Mitchell (39 not out) top scored in Paultons 109-3 and then Tapper hit an unbeaten 32 as Lymington won with just a ball to spare.

It was not such good news for Lymington II who totalled 97-3 through John Hatfield (37) and Dominic DiMaria (24) but lost by five wickets to Bashley who swept to victory in just 8.4 overs through Steve Litimore (29 retired), Neil Taylor (24 not out) and Ross Grierson (20). Other results:

Division 2 - Swan Green 186-2 (Extras 68, Dominic Yates 32, Paul Stainer 25 retired, Charlie Haskell 28 retired, David Murray 21), Paultons II 117-5 (Mark Guard 28, John Baker 22); Burley 129-1 (Paul Yates 39 not out, Wayne Tucker 27 retired, John Gemmell 26 retired, Mark Randall-Turner 26 retired), Brockenhurst 113-6 (Mark Browne 29, Mike Williams 22). Division 3 - Milford-on-Sea 137-1 (Stuart Slade 25 retired, Matt Dowding 27 retired, Robin Butler 26 retired), Milford-on-Sea II 79-6.