TONG Park Esholt made a bright start to life in Division One of the Aire-Wharfe League on Saturday.

Promoted to the top-flight after finishing as Division Two runners-up in 2022, the Shipley-based cricket club were at New Rover for their season opener at the weekend.

Tong Park skipper Dave Hester led from the front as the visitors batted first, as he hammered 102 from just 98 balls in his side’s total of 243-6.

As if that was not enough, Hester then chipped in with 2-11 when it came to Esholt’s turn to bowl.

Shahid Mehmood and Will Rhodes also took two wickets in the New Rover reply, while Josh Bennett claimed 3-39.

That shared bowling effort proved far too much for the hosts, who were bowled out for just 145.

But Tong Park’s neighbours Saltaire suffered a disappointing opening-day defeat.

They bowled out opponents North Leeds for just 132 at Roberts Park, Mustahsan Ali Shah taking 5-37, and were looking well set for a comfortable home win.

But a disastrous chase could not be saved by captain Sajad Ali hitting 28 down the order, as his side were skittled for 114 to lose by 18 runs.

Newly-relegated Harden began life in Division Three and scrambled over the line by four wickets in a low-scoring affair at Shadwell.

The hosts were bowled out for 92, and though no Harden player scored over 20 in the subsequent chase, Will Grace’s side had enough in the tank to win.

Thackley’s home game in the same division against Ilkley was cancelled due to bad weather.

But Bingley Congs did play and made their Aire-Wharfe League debut at home to Green Lane’s second XI in Division Four.

The former Craven League side batted first, and wicket-keeper George Hicks top scored with 50 from 72 balls.

Harry Treloar chipped in with a useful 38 not out for Congs in their total of 162-6 from 32 overs.

Treloar then excelled with the ball, taking 3-15, as the away side could only make 108-8, losing by 54 runs in the process.