It might have been Blair's week in British government circles but, as far as the Birmingham League was concerned, the first day of the season belonged to Bush.
Teenage opener Richard Bush's match-winning halfcentury at Moseley helped newly-promoted Kenilworth Wardens get off to a victorious start on their Premier Division debut.
Ian Westwood had hit 76 as Moseley amassed 196 for eight but that was made to look insufficient once 19-yearold Bush (83) and Shitansu Kotak (61 not out) had combined in a century stand for the second wicket.
Having already removed holders Kibworth from the National Knockout Cup a fortnight ago, the Wardens' latest win suggests they may be an unexpected force this season.
West Bromwich Dartmouth were the day's other surprise winners, having looked on course for defeat at Halesowen.
The home side were set to ridicule the pre-season suggestion that they might struggle when they bowled out Dartmouth for just 101, Halesowen skipper Alan Warner taking five for 35. But Halesowen then found batting far from easy themselves.
With Naheem Saijad taking three wickets and Dartmouth skipper Matt Rawnsley proving hard to even get off the square, the home side were skittled for 94.
Halesowen had plenty of time at their disposal, with more than 20 overs to spare but, needing just eight to win and with Warner well set on 27, it was all over when he was bowled by his opposite number Rawnsley.
The day's other two topflight winners were less hard to predict. Barnt Green are not always the best of starters but, after consecutive runners-up spots behind Wellington, they have made a sound start in their bid to go one better.
New signing Gareth Williams was the star of their eight-wicket win over Old Hill, bowling unchanged to take six for 20 from 18 overs as the visitors were skittled for just 81.
Kris Howes, the New Zealander who has returned to the club as an Englishqualified player, also pitched in with two wickets as did Gloucestershire all-rounder Roger Sillence in a new-look attack that did not even require the services of skipper Richard Illingworth. Richard Hall then hit 44 as the Green completed their afternoon's work in half the allotted time.
Given their position as preseason favourites, it was hardly a surprise to see Knowle & Dorridge start with a winbut it was still perhaps a slight shock that they should achieve it with such ease against last year's champions.
Only three Wellington players made double figures and all-rounder Mark Downes was forced to retire hurt as Gavin Byram's side were bowled out for just 135.
The ageless Mike Palmer, who has averaged 50 topflight wickets a season for the last four summers, again did the main damage, taking five for 32, well supported by Jamie Spires.
Byram top-scored with 47, while overseas star Benji Hector made 40 and the home side briefly looked in discomfort when they lost half their wickets for well under 100. But Wellington were made to rue the loss of the suspended Adam Byram as South African all- rounder Ryan McLaren, with an unbeaten 35 on his debut, and David Smith saw their side home in comfort.
Himley's Chris Pearce was the Premier Division's first centurion of the season, with an unbeaten 123, but it still could not force a home win over Coventry while another much- fancied side, Walsall,were forced to settle for a draw despite dominating against the top flight's other new boys, Leamington.
Captain Chris Boroughs hit 88 and debutant Nathan Round an unbeaten 77 but, despite Staffordshire paceman David Follett taking five for 47, Leamington skipper Rob Williams helped his side avoid defeat with an unbeaten 59.
