BOLDON are off to a winning start in defence of The Northern Echo/Local Heroes U-15s Schools Cricket Cup.

Last year's winners easily beat Pelton Roseberry in the first round of the 2002 competition.

Batting first, Pelton were restricted to 27 for 4 off their 20 overs. In reply Boldon knocked off the runs in only 3.2 overs without losing a wicket.

The first century-maker in the competition is Seaham's Stephen Gale. He scored 107 in a 100-run defeat of Brinkburn.

The latest first round results are: Pelton Roseberry 27-4, Boldon 28-0.

Seaham (Gale 107, Stephenson 42no) 162-1, Brinkburn 62.

St Thomas More 91-8, Monkwearmouth 61.

Teesdale 67-8, Haughton (Waddell 4-14) 58.

Egglescliffe (Gibson 52no, Toulson 50) 130-5, Sunnydale (Dunn 27, Rowley 24, Din 4-14) 76.