Guiseley, who escaped relegation last season by the skin of their teeth, shocked champions Adel with a confidence-boosting seven-wicket triumph at Nethermoor.

It was opening day joy for Guiseley all-rounders Chris Underwood and Mark Best.

Australian Underwood, back at the club after a six-year absence, was left undefeated four runs short of his century, and he also chipped in with three wickets for 44 runs.

Best, who spent many years at Bradford and Bingley, supported Underwood with 26 not out and had the best bowling figures of four for 38. Ian Chaplin also played his part in the win with a half-century.

Replying to Adel's total of 172 for nine, Guiseley lost their first two wickets for three runs, but the recovery stunned their opponents who will be looking for an improvement at home to Menston on Saturday.

Menston, who had a disappointing season last time, started the new term with a home win against Division B champions Hall Park, bowling them out for 179 with 14 runs to spare.

Richard Burton, batting at No 4, blasted 13 fours and two sixes in an unbeaten century, and team-mate Richard Taylor did the damage with the ball by taking five for 27.

Newly-promoted Otley got off to a winning start in a low-scoring affair against last season's third-placed side Green Lane. Scott Johnson (5-38) and Aussie Andrew Burke (3-42) skittled out the visitors for 80 after Otley had struggled to 99 all out.

Steeton held out for a losing draw at home to Beckwithshaw with their last pair at the wicket. Simon Barker (53) and Steve Walmsley (47) helped Beckwithshaw recover to 169 for eight after they were reeling at 13 for three.

First-change bowler Andy Gott then got to work on the Steeton batsmen, removing five for 13 runs, despite a defiant 34 by second-team wicketkeeper Ajmal Patankar.

After losing top-flight status, Burley and Rawdon met in Division B, visitors Rawdon winning by four wickets.

Overseas player Kendrick Marshall was the Rawdon hero. He follwed a six for 40 haul by hammering 34 in 14 deliveries after his side looked in trouble at 40 for four. Jamie Davey also played his part with an unbeaten 31.

Tong Park took five points from a winning draw against Bardsey, Nick Murden and Brendan Ryan hitting half-centuries, but Harden and Thackley, promoted from Division C, suffered opening-day defeats to Ilkley and Silsden respectively.

Harden were bowled out for 91 and lost by seven wickets, Richard Simpson taking six for 28 for Ilkley. Charlie Tree stuck a half-century for Thackley, but a fine 62 from New Zealander Darren Cook inspired Silsden to a six-wicket win.

Calverley were frustrated by the weather at Knaresborough, where they had the home side on 38 for nine in reply to 159 when rain caused an abandonment. Leeds University student Joe Hughes had a five for 12 haul and also made 28.

Skipton started life in Division C with a seven-wicket victory over Alwoodley with vital contributions from opener Stephen Carling (55), Aussie Robert Dilger (41 not out) and off-spinner Andrew Fergie (6-45).

Brothers Ed and Will Roberts bowled Upper Wharfedale to victory by 71 runs against Woodhouse.

In the Waddilove Cup preliminary round on Sunday, Colton, Otley and Bilton progressed at the expense of Ben Rhydding, Hall Park and Burley respectively.