WORMELOW got their Marches League Division One title defence off to an impressive start as they secured a 93-run victory at last season’s Division Two champions Kington.  

The undoubted highlight of the day for the villagers was a record-breaking innings from opener Luke Jones, who hit the club’s highest ever individual score.  

The swashbuckling Jones was in sensational form as he hammered 225 runs from just 131 deliveries, his innings containing 25 fours and 13 sixes.

Jones shared a second wicket partnership of 231 with new Wormelow skipper Tom Parry (54).

Veteran Ben Gunn chipped in with an unbeaten 34 as the visitors finished on an imposing 347-4 from their 45 overs.    

The Kington reply stuttered early on as Tom Cutler (3-17) removed both openers, but there was then plenty of resistance from century maker Robert Stokes who hit a fine 116 from 110 deliveries, captain Duncan Morgan (53) also made a decent contribution before the Kington innings ended on 254-8.

Elsewhere, Woolhope also got their campaign off to a perfect start with a eight-wicket victory against Dales.

Dales elected to bat but found the Woolhope bowlers in a clinical mood as Mikey Weaver (3-20), Matthew Windley (3-21) and Dom Larkin (2-11) made light work of their opponents and the visitors were out for 75.

Woolhope openers Andrew Tanner (35 not out) and Jake Price (14) put the game beyond any doubt before Larkin saw them over the line with 22 runs.

Elsewhere in Division One, Garnons were awarded victory against Luctonians and Goodrich were beaten by 17 runs at Builth Wells.

Almeley showed their early season form in Division Two after recording a nine-wicket win against Presteigne.

There was also opening wins for Moccas, Woolhope seconds, and Wormelow seconds.

Meanwhile, taking wins in Division Two were Almeley seconds, Dales seconds and Goodrich seconds.