The Readers Durham County League: Two sides who battled it out for the championship last season both started with ten-wicket wins under their belts.

Champions Evenwood saw off the challenge from Shildon when they restricted the visitors to only 125. Almost all of the runs came from three players as eight failed to make it into double figures.

Evenwood's reply was swift and effective. Billy Teasdale carried his bat for 61 and Neil Teasdale was unbeaten on 52 out of a total of 128 without loss.

Kimblesworth's game with Sedgefield produced almost identical scores. Gavin Swan and Brendan Clancy each picked up three cheap wickets as Sedgefield were reduced to 126 all out.

The modest target held no fears for Kimblesworth's openers. Michael Fishwick was undefeated on 42 while Stephen Meek crashed 81 not out.

Shahid Anwar was another opener in superb form leading Tudhoe to victory at Etherley. He batted throughout the innings for an unbeaten 136 in a total of 219-7.

Five wickets fell to Etherley's new captain Colin Barker who returned 5-61 before opening his side's reply and contributing a top-scoring 32. Youngster Chris Glasper returned 3-16 and Etherley only managed 130-9 from their 45 overs.

Crook Town were buoyed by an opening-day win over neighbours Willington.

Stephen Ball celebrated his return to Crook taking four wickets for a mere nine runs and Willington collapsed to 100 all out. Richard Manuel then held the Crook innings together making 38 not out as victory was achieved for the loss of four wickets.

Ushaw Moor's new pro Tonito Willett could hardly have made a better start. His six-wicket haul for just 36 runs in ten overs had Esh Winning back in the pavilion for 80. John Carmedy scored more than half the total, recording one six and six boundaries in 41.

Runs were a lot more plentiful when the visitors made first use of the wicket. Michael Hayton batted throughout for an undefeated 73 including two sixes and six fours and opening partner David Armstrong added 47 with three sixes and five boundaries.

Willett also impressed with the bat when he went in at number three and contributed a half century to a near 200 total.

David Fishburn was just two runs short of a century when the overs expired for Mainsforth at Langley Park. Robert Chismon made 55 as the visitors presented the home side with a target of 201.

Langley managed 102 as Chismon took four wickets and Hardwick three.