Bracknell Blazers got their NBL season off to a stunning start when they upset high-flying Richmond Flames in both games of their Sunday double-header.

Richmond, having swept the London Mets just a week ago were hoping to strengthen their position at the top of the standings, but had not counted on a youthful Bracknell side springing a surprise.

Backed by strong pitching performances by Henry Collins and Matt Maitland, the Blazers triumphed 6-2 and 10-4.

The offensive highlight came from Bracknell’s Mike Stewart, who smacked a two-run homer in the second game, although Richmond’s Ryan Bird belted a home-run in game one.

Bracknell coach Rob Rance admitted his decision to give youth a chance, with the bulk of his sq uad members of the GB Cadets, was paying off handsomely.

He said: “We had six players under-18 out on the field today, and that is great for the future of this side.

“We have stuck these guys in when they were 16, and we have taken the losses over the last couple of years as they have developed.

“But a lot of them have really grown up as players, and we had an excellent pre-season.

“This is an absolutely fantastic start for us.

“The league is going to be a lot more open this season, and we are big believers in ourselves.”

There was disappointment in the other action scheduled for Sunday, as the Croydon Pirates were forced to forfeit their double-header with the London Mets after being unable to scratch together a side.

Croydon coach Dave Ward accepted it was a sit uation that had to be remedied – and fast.

He said: “We will just have to see what happens this week.

“We have really been struggling this year – a lot of the guys returned to America and Canada and some had work visas expire.

“Everything happened at once and we are desperately trying to rebuild.”

Croydon will hope things will have improved before week 3 (May 3) when they face the buzzing Blazers, whereas the Mets host the Falcons in other action.