Fosters' Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League

Champions Shotley Bridge suffered an opening-day defeat to Lanchester, who could be among the front runners for the title.

A sound innings of 70 by newcomer Phil Brown featured in the visitors' useful total of 178-9, but the target quickly melted away when both Andrew Donnelly and Tony Halliday made 61, guiding their side to a five-wickets victory.

Newly-promoted Leadgate, unbeaten last season, were on the receiving end of a seven-wickets defeat by Sacriston even though they were without new Australian professional Gary Swan.

Lee Shaw's five wickets at economical cost restricted the home team to just 101. Harry Hubber (33 not out) and Tony Mavin, with an unbeaten 45, then figured in an unbroken partnership for the fourth wicket.

Stephen Humble made a magnificent all-round start to the season with Swalwell.

He hit an undefeated 118 - the day's top score - and Paul Dumigham contributed 76 not out to the huge total of 263 for the loss of just one wicket.

Humble then took over with the ball cleaning out Backworth by capturing seven wickets for a meagre 39 runs.

Last season's runners-up Lintz were well beaten by Newcastle City, playing in the top flight for the first time. Lintz's total of almost 150 looked defendable, but Pargeter (69 not out) and Ahmed (40) steered City to an eight-wickets success.

Tim Adcock ended unbeaten on 105 in Tynedale's total of 214-4 at Annfield Plain, who made just 140-7.

Northumberland's Henry Twizell bowled an economical end, picking up a couple of wickets.

Ashington were another side to win by a comfortable margin, easily accounting for Ryton when Paul and David Rutherford shared nine wickets.

In Division A2, Robin Moor (38 not out) and Adam Ainley (31 not out) were involved in a club record last-wicket partnership of 66 against Ponteland.

Anthony Ward's brilliant seven-wicket haul then secured the points.

Gary Hunter was the star of Consett's easy win over Morpeth at Blackfyne, carving out an innings of 91 and capturing five cheap wickets.

Greenside's hoped-for winning start with a new-look line-up did not materialise as they went to Burnopfield for whom Michael Clarke hit a fine 88.