Federation Special Durham Senior League: Current champions Horden made fellow clubs instantly aware that their title would not be surrendered easily.

On an opening day when four sides were dismissed for less than three figures Horden mauled the Durham City attack with captain Adrian Hedley leading the way. He smashed an incredible 177 from just 85 deliveries. His innings included 156 in boundaries - 21 fours and 12 sixes.

Along with former City player Stephen Edwards (51 not out), the pair added 193 in just an hour before the declaration was made.

Nadeem Khan then began his work. Although Durham defended resolutely for 40.1 overs, Khan's spin brought 5-22 and with it Horden's convincing win and a warning to the rest.

Bowler Des Beach saw his new club Hetton Lyons to victory at Seaham Harbour. In his allocated 15 overs, Beach collected 6-17 and with two wickets each from Ian Male and Adey the Harbour were put out for just 33. Hetton Lyons needed 8.2 overs to complete a comprehensive win.

Boldon's pace attack of Gareth Smith and Iain Young were soon among the wickets at Felling. There was a regular fall and Smith (4-11) with Young (3-15) received support from Orlanzo Jackson (2-36) and Boldon were left to chase 79 for victory.

After Grant Forster and Richard Potter (37) added 49 in an opening stand, wickets tumbled but Felling's meagre total was reached.

Burnmoor showed that they will be better than most when bowling out Marsden for 91 on a damp pitch which proved to their liking. Scott Robinson, 16, took the first three wickets to fall and then the old heads of Ian Conn (4-25) and Michael Callaghan (3-21) let the ball do the work.

Professional Mark Benfield (34 not out) and Mark Robson saw the Moors comfortably home.

South Shields youngster Michael Dunn helped rescue their batting at South Hetton. His partnership with Ashok Patel (83) added 101 to the Shields total enabling them to end with a solid 192.

Bob Steel (94) controlled the South Hetton reply but the slower pace of his colleagues against some steady early bowling meant the Shields total became out of reach. Eppleton and Whitburn were involved in the other draw of the day. Jim Daley, back to his old club, was the main contributor (112 no) as his side picked up maximum batting points.

His partnership with Neil McKinney produced 161 before Whitburn's reply.

A half century opening stand then paved the way for Ashley Thorpe's (65) contribution. Wickets fell in the Whitburn run chase with Gary Hulme (4-34) and Sean Birbeck (3-56) causing problems, but the final Whitburn pair managed to play out the last over together.