CHRISTLETON 2nds got their season off to a winning start with a four-wicket home success over Cheadle.

The visitors posted 152-8, debutant Tilac Lamb (2-12) making early breakthroughs before Brian Wareing picked up 3-32.

Christleton wobbled, going from 63-2 to 83-6, but recovered to reach 153-6 (Mike Hollindale 40no, Pete Roberts 48).

The third XI claimed a Jack Garner Trophy win over Urmston, reaching 209-4 in reply to 206-6.

ALVANLEY 2nds watched Weaverham accumulate 198 runs and then had their own batting collapse before Ben Pearce (41) and Peter French (54) changed the situation. Despite the fightback, Alvanley closed 20 short for the loss of nine wickets and had to be content with a draw.

OULTON PARK 2nds were bowled out for 185 chasing 250-7 at Cheadle Hulme. Craig Williamson took 3-57 but the home batsmen were in charge and, though skipper Mark Johnson hit 52 and Roger Thompson 53, tight bowling early in the innings was significant.

Andy Robinson's first match in charge of BOUGHTON HALL 2nds saw him lose out at Hyde.

Tom Ducker made a hard-hitting 49 as Hall set 235, the skipper himself making 35. But Hyde reached their target with five wickets down, Dan Riley contributing two wickets.

Hall's third XI defeated Urmston by 24 runs, Bobby Evans making 63 as the Chester visitors set 223-9.

Urmston were all out for 191.

Hall's fourths lost by six wickets at home to Macclesfield.

Richard Thistlewood made 103no as the hosts posted 198-4, but Macc hit back with 201-4.

TATTENHALL 2nds opened with an impressive victory at Maccles-field. After being asked to bat, they stumbled to 50-5, but a fine rearguard action - spearheaded by a wonderful knock by Ewan Drake (60) - provided a good score of 188.

It proved too much for Macc as Tattenhall won by 46 runs, Matt Williams taking 5-35 before veteran spin-ner Bob Knight cleaned up the tail.

CHESTER COUNTY OFFICERS' second string had an easy victory at Chelford, dismissing them for 75 (Graham Wilks 5-25) and knocking off the runs for the loss of two wickets, Adam Gewargis 49no.