The 1st XI started their season in the Bradford Premier League Division 1 with defeat at Hanging Heaton. Winning the toss and choosing to field, Alex Stead’s side bowled out the hosts in the 49th over with five wickets for Leo Flanagan, three for Jordan Pickles and one each for Redford Holdsworth and Andy Walker. Chasing the target of 212, impressive knocks from Niall Lockley (79) and Jordan Laban (41) gave the visitors a fighting chance but wickets fell and the Villagers ended all out on 179 in 47.2 overs. Full scorecard >>

At Till Carr Lane, the also freshly promoted 2nd XI were put into bat first after visitors Pudsey Congs won the toss. It was slow and steady progress with a decidedly damp outfield but Michael Brooke (23), Isaac Morley (9) and Lucas Arnot (14) kept the scoreboard ticking over while Rhys Jowett was unlucky to be given out on 14. A flurry of wickets in the middle order meant a steadying of the ship was in order when captain Rob Burton came to the crease. And steadying is what happened as he added 20, ably assisted by Mark Horne’s 21 which took the total to 122. Pudsey started strongly but a really impressive display with the ball and in the field led to a tight finish when 3 wickets for Sam Walker and 4 for Lucas Arnot skittled the visitors for 119 – 3 short. Read Jeff Morley’s brilliant full match report on that dramatic finish here >>

Sunday started brightly with some much needed sun drying out the ground (more of that this week please). Captain Gary Lewsley had chosen a mix of youth and experience as the 3rd XI opened the defence of their Halifax Sunday League Division 1 title at home to Sowerby Bridge. Put into bat, it was a challenging start to the innings but nerves were settled by an impressive knock from new Villager Kiefer Hanman (94) ably assisted by 47 from Michael Wood and 26 from Chris Terry. 212 was the target set in the 40 overs and the visitors struggled from the start both to score and keep their wickets. 3 from ever-impressive Ted Stead, 2 from brilliant youngsters Charlie Modgill and Jacob Carroll, a couple from Chris Terry and one from Kiefer Hanman meant it took just 23.5 overs to dismiss Sowerby Bridge and secure a maximum 20 points. Full scorecard >>

Over in Sowerby Bridge, we’re not going to dwell on the 4th XI’s performance or result. Needless to say, the only way is up after a start to the season that got Bob Horne checking his records. Neil Wood and his side will be pleased to know page 13, 15 and 25 of the 150th anniversary book record defeats that were even more dramatic - and we’ll say no more than that. If you did want to see the full scorecard, it’s here >>

Two wins and two defeats, but four games completed and the season well and truly underway. Lots of positives, lots of learning and the scene set for an exciting few months ahead.

Next weekend, five senior games – with the 2nds competing on Sunday in the Priestley Shield, and the junior season begins with the U9s in action on the same day.