THE Newroc Homes Darlington and District League burst into action with a full opening day round of matches, and a quirk of the fixtures computer saw reigning champions Barton travel to take on runners-up Ingleton.

But it was the 2008 bridesmaids who took all the bouquets as Ingleton came out on top in a low-scoring thriller despite the worst of starts. Their first five batsmen could only muster a paltry 14 between them as Peter Frankland got straight into the groove with the ball, but Phil Olney (28), Graham Paylor (24) and Shaughn Russell (33) did a fine repair job to lift Ingleton to three figures.

Frankland’s analysis of five for 20 was just reward for some top-class bowling, and he looked to have set up a certain victory when his side set off in pursuit of a target of just 108, as Tony Millar (23) and John Murray (25) gave the champs the best of starts.

But Millar’s run out seemed to spark panic and there was a complete collapse to 98 all out and a nine-run defeat. Iain Jackson (3-19) made the initial breakthrough before Andy Price mopped up with three for 13.

It was to prove a tough day for the new boys as both East Cowton and Catterick Village suffered heavy defeats in their opening A Division fixtures after gaining promotion last season.

The Villagers looked to be on the way to an upset when they had four Middleton St George batsmen back in the shed with just 13 on the board.

But half-centuries from Sean Farrow and Paul Rogers – the latter blasting his runs from the number ten slot – took the home team to a useful 196-8.

Catterick were then hit with a triple whammy as Shahid Mohammed, Dave Glew and Rogers blasted them away with three wickets apiece – George winners by 108 runs.

East Cowton will remember their opening game for all the wrong reasons as they were on the end of a thumping by Middleton in Teesdale. Neil Watson (75) and Graham Hutchinson (73) were pivotal in Middleton’s mammoth 215-7, then James Metcalfe ripped through Cowton in a six-over burst during which he claimed five wickets for just seven runs. The new boys were blasted out in only18 overs for 45 to hand the home team a 170-run victory.

Elsewhere, a superb 64 from Warren Spark failed to ignite Rockliffe Park as they were restricted to 114-8 by Aldbrough’s attack, in which Mark Little and John Hoyle shared six wickets.

The target didn’t prove a problem for St John as Mike Priestley the elder top-scored with 30 in a seven-wicket success.

Barningham won a thriller against Lands by just six runs.

Colin Blackburn for the hosts and Michael Bredenkamp for the visitors were familiar halfcentury makers, but it was Adam Bellwood’s six-wicket salvo that won the day for Barney.

Marcus Clark (64) gave Eryholme plenty of impetus when they entertained Cockerton and, despite Mattie Collins’ three wickets, the home team posted a decent-looking 151-7.

But Paul Dickinson (33), Ian Rawlings (31) and Varun Sood (54no) eased the visitors home with seven wickets to spare.

Ingleton and Barton also met in the B Division, both sides promoted last season, with Barton victorious. Trimdon Colliery’s hopes of a quick return to the top flight took an early knock as they lost to Haughton, while Raby Castle, Middleton Tyas and Spennymoor all got off to winning starts.