Captain Dan Sherlock hit an unbeaten 60 as Needingworth launched their Cambs Senior League Division One challenge in fine style.

The Hunts Post: George Smith took two wickets in Needingworth's win against Chatteris. Picture: DUNCAN LAMONTGeorge Smith took two wickets in Needingworth's win against Chatteris. Picture: DUNCAN LAMONT (Image: Archant)

The village side - promoted in each of the last three seasons - saw off Chatteris by five wickets in their first outing of 2017 last Saturday

Gareth Lever (3-32) led a fine bowling effort in which George Smith, Lee Smith and Alistair Fox all grabbed two wickets apiece.

It certainly wasn’t plain sailing in reply with five batsman falling relatively cheaply, but Sherlock and George Smith (28no) ensured their side emerged victorious.

Sherlock said: “ Chatteris finished third last summer so I imagine they are one of the stronger teams in the league. It was good to start with a win as our first aim this season is very much to stay up.”

There was a dramatic start to the Cambs Junior League season for Bluntisham as they were involved in a tie at Littleport Town in Division One North.

A knock of 70 from skipper Stuart Cornwell helped the locals reach 209-9 and that tally was matched by their hosts, who finished on 209-8 with Steve Merry taking 3-39.

James Hyde was the star turn as Abbots Ripton made a winning start in Division Four North of the Cambs Junior League. Hyde followed up a big-hitting 96 with 6-26 as Girton 2nds were slammed by 130 runs. Caspar Todd also impressed with 68.

Two St Ives sides were successful in their opening fixtures of the season - and both wins featured fine individual contributions.

The 2nds beat Camden by 16 runs in Division Two North, with Jonny Perring hitting 64 and Matt Dack taking 5-40, and the 3rds thumped Cambridge NCI 4ths by a whopping 175 runs in Division Four North.

Opener Thomas Rendall cracked an unbeaten 149 before Dominic Stevens took centre stage with the ball as he helped himself to figures of 5-13.