CASTROL opened their Meller Braggins League campaign with a win at Cheadle Hulme Lady-bridge - despite getting lost en route!
The lead car on the way to Saturday's match had the wrong directions and ended up in Didsbury, but a new route was soon agreed and the team made it to the ground in time.
Castrol skipper Mark Evans (13) won the toss and opted to bat, but the opener was soon on his way back to the pavilion as the visitors slumped to 17-1.
Martin Flanagan then teamed up with Paul Benbow (39) and the pair put on 105 for the second wicket. Benbow was run out with the score on 122 and he was followed just two balls later by Flanagan (62).
When Rupert Millward was out for one, it looked as though the Oilmen were about to collapse but Mike Garvey (41) and Darren Green (31no) put on a quick-fire partnership of 61.
Although Garvey fell looking for quick runs, Mike Caulfield (3no) supported Green in milking 15 runs from the last two overs to close the innings on 200-5.
The Oilmen adopted a patient approach in the field and the pressure paid dividends for Damien Walters (2-22), Flanagan (3-24), Caulfield (2-25) and Steve Aldcroft (1-13).
Ladybridge were all out for 114 in 39 overs, meaning Castrol banked 26 points to their opponents' four.
Flanagan was named man of the match for his excellent contribution with bat and ball.
Skipper Evans said: 'It was a really good start to the season and all the discussions about patience and building pressure, both with bat and ball, was well heeded.
'The bowling unit had a good work out on a batsman-friendly pitch and all six that were used were excellent.
'It's nice to see the decision-making coming off and overall it was a good team effort, with Martin once again head and shoulders above everyone else.
'Enjoyment is the catch word this year and you could see that everyone had a really good day. The key is to still enjoy it when things don't go so well.'
Castrol hit the road again this Saturday with a trip to Wistaston Village.
