Opening weekend is one to remember for newcomers

NEWLY-PROMOTED Newcastle & Hartshill and Alsager made ideal starts to the NSSCL Premier A season with impressive victories.

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Castle, who romped to the Premier B title last season, maintained their momentum with a home victory over champions Hem Heath.

And Alsager made their bow in the top flight a memorable one as they walked away from Meakins with the spoils.

Newcastle & Hartshill had a star turn from Harry Bailey to thank for their opening-day success against Hem Heath.

Bailey, pictured inset, shone with the bat in the first half of the contest as he rescued the hosts from a precarious 91-6 to post 221-8 from their 45 overs.

Ryan Hassett (21) made a start for Castle, but Hem Heath's bowlers took a firm grip on proceedings before Bailey’s intervention.

Bailey struck nine fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 93, which came off a mere 79 balls, to mastermind Newcastle & Hartshill’s recovery.

Help was at hand from overseas pro Sachithra Perera, who chipped in with 21, to give the home side a defendable target.

EJ Laverty was the pick of the visitors’ attack, with 3-32, while there were two wickets apiece for Liam Banks and Greg Prime.

Still, Hem Heath looked to be on course to open their bid for a third successive title with a win after reaching 139-2.

Matthew Hodson orchestrated their run chase with 84, hitting 10 fours and one six in the process.

Callum Leese (36) was also in good touch, but Castle refused to lie down and Bailey was at the forefront of their victory charge.

Bailey captured 4-39 to instigate a Hem Heath collapse to 189 all out to secure the points for Castle.

The other six wickets were shared by Gamindu Kanishka, Perera and Joe Thorne.

Alsager had fun on the road as they claimed a four-wicket win at Meakins.

Meakins tumbled from 26-0 to 35-5 in the formative stages of the afternoon on the back of ex-Warwickshire seamer Manraj Johal’s 4-14.