MISTLEY Cricket Club captain Daniel Goff believes his side issued a clear statement of intent after their sensational victory against Woolpit.

The Swans ignited their season by posting a mammoth 342 for six against the previous Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship pacesetters.

They then skittled Woolpit for just 137 to wrap up a huge victory by 205 runs.

There were numerous highlights, including a swashbuckling 146 from Goff himself, 96 from James Scott and a five-for for Bruce Leeke.

And afterwards the captain urged his side to build on their success and go from strength to strength in the coming weeks and months.

“It was a fantastic victory against quality opposition - a side that have just come down from the East Anglian Premier League,” said Goff.

“The boys did me proud and there was so much improvement, compared to the first few weeks of the season.

“We were ten times better in all departments and I couldn’t have been happier.

“It was so encouraging and I believe we’ve made a real statement about what we can achieve this season.

“There are certain sides we hope and expect to beat but it was a real scalp to see off a side like Woolpit.

“We won so emphatically and that shows the talent and ability in our squad.

“It’s going to be a very open league this year and I think we’ve seen that already, in terms of the other results. I believe we can be up there challenging and this result shows that.”

Goff was thrilled with his own contribution, which included 15 fours, seven sixes and came from just 102 balls.

“I loved every minute of it,” said the Swans skipper, who takes his side to Haverhill tomorrow (1pm start).

“And I’d say it was my best-ever knock for the first team, given the circumstances and opposition.

“Others deserve a lot of credit, too, though.

“James and I had a great partnership worth 150-odd. That gave us a real foundation to go on and get the big score.

“Bruce took five for 27 in his ten overs and Tim Scott produced his best bowling spell, despite not being rewarded with a wicket.”

To cap an excellent day for the club, Mistley’s second team also ran out victorious against Woolpit on Saturday.

Captain and opening batsman Gareth Stevens scored 64 as the Swans batted first and made 184.

Matthew Bibby then took four wickets and Dylan Day three as Woolpit were all out for 137.

Mistley’s second team return to division three action tomorrow when they welcome Exning to New Road.