WIDNES started their Cheshire County League quest with an emphatic seven-wicket victory at Bramhall in the ECB Premier Division.

On a greenish, pacey wicket visiting skipper Ian Spencer asked Bramhall to bat.

New Australian recruit Neil Barfuss opened the bowling and saw a sharp chance go down off his second ball.

Gareth Dyson, looking sharp and fit, started really well conceding only one run in his first four overs - having Nick Cantells caught behind with the last ball of his third over.

Sean Moore replaced Barfuss and in his first over had Andrew Hall, the Cheshire captain, caught at slip by Danny Naughton on his way to 5-22 in 10 overs.

Dawson soon followed, brilliantly caught behind by Spencer off Dyson.

Spencer struck again, catching Bolger off Moore who then claimed his third when Hurdley caught Chris Heppell for 47.

The batsman had previously refused to walk when caught by Hurdley at slip with the umpires unable to agree on the validity of the catch.

Barfuss replaced Moore and was rewarded with two wickets, both to excellent slip catches by Naughton.

Tom Evans was introduced to replace Neil Young and bowled an excellent seven overs, taking 1-9.

But it was Moore's day as he came back to claim the final two wickets.

Widnes set about the chase of 151 to win with James McCoy looking in fine fettle.

He and Steve Titchard took the score to 59 at which point both openers were dismissed - Titchard lbw for 11 and McCoy brilliantly caught and bowled by Wilkinson for 42.

Barfuss joined Naughton and was soon displaying his potential with powerful drives and pulls.

They took the score to 118 when Naughton departed for 19. Tony Hurdley joined Barfuss to steer Widnes to victory.

The Australian finished on 55no, an innings containing seven fours and three sixes.

This Saturday Widnes entertain Neston (12.30pm start).

Widnes 2nd XI visit Neston following their draw game against Poynton.

Poynton made 201 (Robert Morris 4-38 and Alex Duckers 2-25). Widnes replied with 169-8 (Ben Williams 45).