Game one of the 21st season of Shand cricket saw a depleted Main Arm team succumb to the Geckos.
Bucko of Main Arm sent the Geckos in to bat.
James Clarke (Kent) opened the innings with Stuart (23) who wasted no time lifting the first big six of the year over cow corner.
James (39) caused the type of mayhem he tries to prevent in the schoolyard.
Drew (27) hit the offseason dust off his bat as the Geckos galloped to 83 off the first 12 overs. It was looking like a rout until Eden got the first scalp, then Phil (2-14) found his mojo to bag two more.
A late run flurry by the hirsute Trent and the naked-pated Mal offered up a nice contrast in styles and saw the final score bustle along to 154.
With the ball in hand Geckos Drew (2/5) and James then set about wrecking the Main Arm top order as the once mighty nine-time champs staggered like schoolies with spiked drinks to 5/34.
Eden top scored with 23 and held up the Gecko victory celebrations for a while but James (3-4) ended proceedings in fine style, scattering the stumps with consecutive deliveries to put himself on a hat-trick next time he bowls.
Great win for the Geckos who look likely finalists on their performance but the Main Arm brainstrust, such as it is, had the air of worried men as they headed west up the valley like setting suns.
In the Middle Pub player of the year major votes went to James and Eden.
Next week the Left Bankers play Lennox Head.
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