Reigning champions Ramsey slipped to a shock defeat on the opening day of the new Tucker Gardner League Division One season yesterday.

They suffered a five-wicket setback at the hands of Histon at Cricketfield Lane.

Opener James Markland hit a fine innings of 111 to help Ramsey to a total of 206-5 with captain Taylor West declaring four overs early.

And that proved decisive as Histon surpassed their victory target in the extra overs they received due to Ramsey’s early declaration.

Warboys suffered a batting collapse as they slipped to a 15 run defeat at Wisbech.

Three wickets apiece from new overseas player Simon Walshe and Sam Latchford had helped skittle the hosts for 132 and Warboys looked set for success as they reached 83-3 in reply.

But only Matthew Cooksey (43) and Matt Duncan (34) made it into double-figures as Leighton Gilbert’s men were dismissed for 117.

But there were winning starts for two local teams at that level.

A half-century from opener Matthew Durrant helped Godmanchester launch their campaign in style.

Durrant hit 55 and skipper Matthew Pateman added a useful unbeaten 44 as they claimed a six-wicket success at Nassington.

There was also a debut knock of 33 from new South African import Karabo Mogotsi while Tariq Aziz took two wickets in his first Godmanchester appearance – against the club he left during the winter.

Waresley edged out Burwell 2nds by seven runs after good displays with the bat and ball.

Tom Griffiths hit 50 and Ian Donald amassed 46 as the locals posted a useful 215-7 before three wickets apiece for Nigel Buckingham-Jones and Jo Colebrook ensured Burwell 2nds were dismissed for 208.

Kimbolton announced their return to Tucker Gardner League cricket in successful style.

Simon Lambert hit 65 to guide them to a four-wicket victory at Eaton Socon.

Huntingdon & District endured a difficult return to this level with a seven-wicket loss against Blunham.

But St Ives were impressive opening day winners in Division Two with an eight-wicket triumph against Cambridge NCI.

An unbeaten 89 from Tom McCarthy was the highlight as they breezed past a victory target of 164-7 with a minimum of fuss.

SATURDAY SCORES

Division One

Nassington lost to Godmanchester by 6 wkts

Nassington 195-9.

Godmanchester 196-4 (M. Durrant 55, M. Pateman 44, K. Mogotsi 33).

Ramsey lost to Histon by 5 wkts

Ramsey 206-5 (J. Markland 111).

Histon 207-5.

Wisbech beat Warboys by 15 runs

Wisbech 132 (S. Walshe 3-25, S. Latchford 3-52).

Warboys 117 (M. Cooksey 43, M. Duncan 34).

Waresley beat Burwell 2nds by 7 runs

Waresley 215-7 (T. Griffiths 50, I. Donald 46).

Burwell 2nds 208 (N. Buckingham-Jones 3-35, J. Colebrook 3-48).

Division Two

Eaton Socon lost to Kimbolton by 4 wkts

Eaton Socon 166 (M. Hay 63, M. Burton 6-26, M. Roberts 4-36).

Kimbolton 166-6 (S. Lambert 65, J. Biddle 37, J. Dawborn 3-26).

Huntingdon & District lost to Blunham by 7 wkts

Huntingdon & District 121.

Blunham 122-3.

St Ives beat Cambridge NCI by 8 wkts

Cambridge NCI 164-7 (S. Pawley 3-20).

St Ives 166-2 (T. McCarthy 89, R. Greiller 38).