RETURNING Aussie all-rounder Chris Underwood helped Guiseley pull off a shock victory on the opening day of the Airedale and Wharfedale League season.

Guiseley, who only just avoided relegation last season pulled off victory over champions Adel under the leadership of new skipper Mark Ross.

The Aussie took 3-44 off 14 overs as Adel were reduced to 172-9 after being 78-1 at one stage.

As Guiseley were reeling at 3-2 in reply, skipper Ross going for a duck and veteran Howard Reeve for one, Underwood came in to hit a magnificent unbeaten 96.

He first shared a stand of 128 with Ian Chaplin, who contributed 54, and then 47 unbroken for the fourth wicket with newcomer Mark Best who had a good debut taking 4-38 off 18 overs and then making 26 not out.

Guiseley gained victory by a seven wicket margin with 17 overs to spare.

Menston rallied from a score of 40-4 to post a total of 193-7 against visitors Hall Park. This was thanks to a superb unbeaten century from Richard Burton. His knock included 2 sixes and 13 fours.

Another skipper to get an opening day duck was Menston's David Lester but he would be well pleased with his side's bowling performance as they dismissed Park for 179 with Martin Knowles grabbing 3-43 off 12 overs and Richard Taylor 5-27 off ten overs.

Australian Michael Elliott was Park's top scorer showing early season form with 45 and Richard Allinson contributing 34 and Richard Simpson 32.

Otley enjoyed a successful return to the top flight winning a low scoring game against Green Lane.

Otley put Lane out for a mere 80 in reply to their not so spectacular 99. Otley had struggled against the bowling of N Britton (3-22) and Scott Crosby (3-21) but Lane had even more problems against the Cross Green side's new Aussie Andrew Burke, who claimed 3-42, and Scott Johnson, who claimed 5-38.

Runs were obviously hard to come by but Lane's new overseas player Nishan Gonsalkorale - the former Horsforth player - made 26.

Former Rawdon all-rounder Darren Murray starred with the bat for Bilton hammering 73 not out from the opening spot as they totalled 141-3 in reply to Collingham's 226-6 before rain stopped play.

Opener M Thompson had an excellent start to the season with an innings of 105 and he shared a first wicket stand of 81 with B Leigh (28). North Leeds posted a score of 222-8 against visitors Follifoot thanks to half-centuries from Rob Winter and T Cooper.

Australian Phil Valentine contributed 26. Follifoot then replied with 142-9 with Neil Walker hitting a half-century.

Beckwithshaw almost bowled Steeton out having them 130-9 in reply to their 169 all out. S Barker top scored for Beckwithshaw with 53 while S Walmsley made 47. Andy Gott took 5-13 to restrict Steeton for whom A Patankar was top scorer with 34.