It was as if nothing had changed for newly-promoted Kimblesworth as they made their much awaited debut in the Durham Senior League.

The decision to mix it with more challenging opponents after stepping up from the County League was more than justified when they got off to the best possible start with victory over Norton, who the season before last were in the NEPL.

The new boys on the block were unstoppable as they dismissed the Teessiders for a modest 139 with Colin Myers (3-22), Kevin Dixon (2-4) and newcomer Mark Woodhead (2-23) formidable in attack. Stephen Meek (64 no) and new professional, Sam MacPherson (33), were undeterred by the Norton attack, and with runs flowing Kimblesworth enjoyed an outstanding nine-wicket success.

A hat-trick of centuries were featured in the match of the day between champions Boldon and challengers Eppleton. Kyle Davis (132no) and Graham Hoban (104no) shared in an unbroken opening stand of 249 for Eppleton, but Chris Ellison (113no) inspired his side to a remarkable five-wicket win.

Two more batting stars emerged at Philadelphia despite a run fest from opponents, Durham City, who made 231-6. Shaun Hauxwell (101no) and Neil Mulvaney (117) smashed 36 boundaries including 11 sixes, in an amazing exhibition of big hitting which saw them score 234 in 38 overs to win by seven wickets. Castle Eden also enjoyed a great start with victory over Horden thanks to Kevin Walton (5-39) and Keith Bailey (88no).

Big scores were also the feature of five of the six matches in the Durham County League. None came more imposing than Evenwood who amassed 325-5 against Ushaw Moor with Ryan Nicholson hitting 23 fours and five sixes in a splendid 182. Neil Pratt was another century maker with 15 boundaries in 110 taking Willington to victory over high scoring Marsden by seven wickets.

Breaking the mould of batting dominance were Etherley who were skittled out for 58 by Crook Town for whom Aaron Morrison, a young Aussie spin bowler, impressed on his debut by taking cheap six wickets.

Esh Winning suffered an opening day defeat with Hampshire-bound Karl Turner and Aussie Will Bosisto making impressive debuts for Brandon. Turner hit an unbeaten century and Bosisto finished on 54 as their side triumphed by nine wickets to produce the days shock result.

In the Durham Coast League, Peterlee, who failed to win last season, broke their losing mould with a fantastic performance against Murton. They won by five wickets with Glen Riddle (4-19) laying the foundation for their success as he helped bowl out the home side for 101. Title holders, Boldon CA, started strongly again with victory over Ryhope by seven wickets.

While champions Swalwell continued to dominate the days proceedings in the NTSL, there was a tied finish at Shotley Bridge, who finished runners-up last season. Percy Main hit 205-7 and then bowled out the Bridge for the identical score in a pulsating finish.