Chester County Officers’ young side got off to a flying start in Saturday’s fixture with Oakmere.

Winning the toss, skipper Chris Wright had no hesitation in putting Oakmere in, knowing that it is always tough to bat on the first day of the season.

They were under the cosh straight away as John Warrington took three early wickets. Only Catling showed the necessary application ending on 66no in a respectable total of 145-9. John Warrington took 5-57 in 22 overs on his debut, with left-arm spinner Ian Rule claiming 3-17 to slow Oakmere’s late charge.

CCO’s Steve Birchall and Dave Downham  opened up confidently, but Downham (11) after being caught by the evergreen Mike Cushion.

Wez Gillam was lbw first ball but Mike Jones came in at 25-2 and played a mature innings of 73 to put victory within reach.

When he was out Steve Birchall blossomed to finish on 41no, although Rule (13)  and Roger Watt perished trying to race to target. With three overs to spare the Officers reached 147-5, claiming 20 points.

Malpas enjoyed a fine start to their Division One campaign as they claimed an eight-wicket victory at newly-promoted Lindow.

Lindow won the toss under overcast skies and decided to bat but after 9.3 overs the home side reeling at 20-5, with Malpas opening bowlers Phil Johnson and Simon Grove sharing the wickets with four bowled and one caught behind.

Johnson  wrapped up the tail eventually taking 5-50 as Lindow limped to 117 all out off 36.5 overs.

After a stuttering start at the crease for the visitors, Maneesha Nissanker (35no) joined the impressive Henry Wilson-Theaker (63no) to see the visitors to 120-2.

 In Division Two, Cholmondeley claimed a three-wicket victory at Kingsley.

Alan Ritchie made 26 on his debut for the defeated hosts, who were elected to bat first after losing the toss.

Their 132-9 at the crease was not enough as Cholmondeley claimed the triumph with a 133-7 after 44.5 overs.

Barrow fell to a seven-wicket defeat at Barnton as the hosts proved far too strong. G Russell was the highlight for Barrow, registering 40 runs.

Elsewhere, Bunbury claimed a narrow one-wicket victory over Chelford.