LAST year's treble winners Bowdon suffered a shock defeat at the hands of newly-promoted Toft on the opening weekend of their Murray Smith Accountants Cheshire County League ECB Premier Division campaign.

Bowdon struggled to post a decent target and Toft easily won by five wickets thanks to a superb knock of 61 from batsman Andy Bones, back with the club after a spell in London.

The champions declared at 186 for 5, as Mick Murrills top-scored with 49.

But some fine batting from Bones made sure Nigel Muirhead's team triumphed.

Oulton Park, last year's runners-up, registered a 117-run victory over First Division champions Kristleton.

Former Northamptonshire batsman Paul Berry hit 73 as Park declared on 273 for 7. Kristleton were all out for 156 as former Derbyshire all-rounder Nathan Dumelow took 5 for 59 on his debut.

James Duffy scored the first century of the season - an unbeaten 134 - for Hyde as they drew with Alderley Edge. Tweet