REIGNING champions Woodhouse Grange made a winning start to the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League premier division campaign.

Grange recovered from 10-2 at home to Hull Zingari thanks to a stand of 98 between Christopher Bilton (72) and Tom Young (49).

Skipper Steve Burdett gave the innings late impetus with 33 from 16 balls as his side closed on 223-7.

Opener Jack Storey hit 61, but David Suddaby and Nick Hadfield both picked up four wickets as Zingari were dismissed for 170.

Easingwold got the better of a draw at Beverley, where Mark Haines made 94 in the visitors’ 206-9. The hosts, led by Jon Vodden (54no) and Ollie Grantham (43), got within 19 runs of victory, while Stephen Piercy (3-36) took three of the seven wickets to fall.

Newcomers Scarborough provided early evidence they will be a force to be reckoned with by beating Studley Royal by 136 runs. Darren Harland made an unbeaten 112 and former Yorkshire Academy skipper Ryan Gibson made 46 on debut as they posted 243-4. Dan Craven replied with 42, but the hosts could only manage 107 in reply.

Joe Ashdown (107no) shared stands of 123 with Kevin Bradley (83) and 133 with John Gilham (70no) as Clifton Alliance made 278-3 at Dunnington before David Friend (6-40) bowled the visitors to victory by 177 runs.

Heworth, division one champions, made a winning start at home to York II. They posted an imposing 268-9 despite Matthew Hodsdon’s 4-90 and Mike Mortimer’s 4-35. Oliver Sherwood top-scored with 87, sharing a 99-run stand with Salman Syed (47). Syed added 61 with Tom Neal (39).

In reply, Danny Murty got 41 and Jonny Moxon 35, Syed taking 4-25 and Richard Walton 4-30.

Acomb made a solid start to the campaign at home to Fenner. Joe Dale (69no), Harry Booth (40) and Aidan Burton (38) all contributed as the home side chased down 181 to win by five wickets.

Sheriff Hutton Bridge beat Stamford Bridge by eight wickets. Dominic Rhodes made 80 out of 183-7 for the visitors, which SHB chased down thanks to Adam Fisher (74no) and Robert Pinder (68no).