"WELL done 'Duts'," was the sentiment to a faithful servant from the faithful few who braved April's chill end to watch Netherfield's Simon Dutton hit an unbeaten 109 on the opening day of the Bay Northern League season.

The wicketkeeper/batsman had made a century against these same opponents in the final league match last summer and he tormented them again to help the defending champions reach 203 for five off a rain-shrunk

50 overs.

Netherfield had been in trouble at 12-2 after losing Tommy Prime leg before off the fourth ball of the innings and then professional Pieter Strydom, caught behind on three, when his South African vision was still getting used to the murk.

Things began to look up when Dutton joined his skipper Graham Clarke and they shored up things with a partnership of 104 in 27 overs until Clarke was bowled for 53 in the 35th over.

Debutant John Eccles, who has switched from Morecambe, offered effective support for 32 as Dutton went for his favoured pulls and cuts, his 109 coming off 133 balls with three sixes and seven fours.

Netherfield's decision to bat on winning the toss - and go for the maximum points available - looked even better when the Fleetwood batsmen were quickly on the retreat.

Pace bowler Scott Clement struck with 5-18 as the visitors were never allowed to settle and slumped to 36 for five after 13.1 overs.

When a diving catch at second slip by Danny Welbourne removed South African professional Ghulam Bodi for 13 Fleetwood' s sole aim became to deny Netherfield victory which they duly did on 69-8.

Netherfield took eight points from the drawn match There were 15-point wins for Blackpool, Chorley and Darwen, and a 12-point win for Morecambe.