Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Liam Botham quickly made his mark, leading rejuvenated Northallerton to victory over champions Saltburn on the opening day.

The former Hampshire all-rounder starred with bat and ball as the visitors strolled to a six-wicket victory in just 35 overs.

Botham opened the attack with the ever-reliable Jonathan Barnes and Saltburn, who suffered just one defeat last year, quickly had their backs to the wall.

Adil Ditta (43) and Mohamed Fazal (41), defied the attack but the total of 150, which took 48.3 overs to accumulate, looked vulnerable.

Botham delivered 11 overs, taking three wickets for 33 runs while Barnes was as economical as ever, conceding 36 runs in 24.3 overs for five wickets.

Northallerton's new professional, Indian Rashmi Parida, made 32 and Doug Mulholland stroked six boundaries in his 36.

They set the scene for a match-winning reply with a productive second-wicket partnership but it was Botham's half century which took the eye.

He struck two sixes and six fours partnering Barnes (27 not out) for the third wicket before he was bowled with victory in sight.

Darlington opened with a nine-wicket romp at Richmondshire, where their new overseas player Australian Aaron Heal impressed. He shared an unbroken stand with Neil Pratt, contributing an unbeaten 64 with one six and eight fours.

Pratt ended with 81 not out, including a six and nine fours.

The Richmond total of 169 for eight was overtaken for the loss of just one wicket with almost five overs remaining.

Michael Layfield (35) and Michael Fleming, with eight fours in his 52, raised home hopes of a big total. But following their dismissals, Darlington took control.

Bishop Auckland impressed, defeating Redcar by six wickets at Kingsway.

The Seasiders never recovered after their first five batsmen were dismissed for a combined total of only 13 runs, and although Mark Reeves (33) led a partial revival, the total of 111 was always within the reach of Bishops.

Ben Usher was their top performer with the ball, capturing five wickets for 24 runs in ten overs, while Chris Sawyer gave admirable support with 3-14 in his 9.1-overs spell.

Bishops lost four wickets reaching the modest score but were never in danger following a useful contribution of 35 by Darren Blenkiron, which included six boundaries.

Marske needed only 134 but had to work hard for victory at Normanby Hall, where Mohamed Zahid was quickly among the wickets.

His 4-29 from 13 overs caused problems for the Seasiders, who were indebted to newcomer Ryan Bailey for his half century, which included eight fours.

Batting first, the Hall found run-making difficult and struggled to just 133 in 40.5 overs.

Steve McNicholas top-performed with 48 from 67 deliveries but generally the four-man Marske attack dominated. Richie Rennard claimed 3-25 from his 6.5 overs.

Great Ayton made a winning start at home to Hartlepool. Blackett conceded just 22 runs taking five wickets and Murray had 3-39 as Pools reached 160 for nine, which included 63 by John Cannon.

Although there was an early success for Ian Palmer, the visitors failed to contain Stephen Pennock (34), Wilkinson (30) and Anthony Doyle (40 not out) and Great Ayton secured a five-wicket victory.

Newly-promoted Marton drew with Guisborough, who finished second last season following four successive championships.

Graham Shaw took three wickets against his former club but the visitors still posted 216 for seven, the highest score of the day. Chris Allinson opened with 41 while newcomers Sean Clingeleffer (65) and Neil Russell with 42 also impressed.

Chris Lane batted throughout Marton's reply for an undefeated 61, leading his side to 118 for six at stumps.

Darlington RA drew with Middlesbrough at Brinkburn Road. Colin Haslett (48) and Guy Whatmore (36) top-performed in the Boro total of 163 for nine with Andy Russell and Stuart Morgan both taking three wickets.

Although David Eckels made 30 before being run out, the RA reply never gained momentum and at close of play a total of only 111 for six was on the board.