The 2011 Dales Council League season kicked off in almost ideal playing conditions, and with last season’s Division A champions Mount playing in pastures new, the title would appear to be up for grabs.

Last season’s runners-up Hepworth & Idle, who arguably start as favourites, entertained last season’s fourth-placed team Leeds Sikh on Saturday.

Batting first, Hepworth, thanks to a century opening partnership from Danny Bailey (66) and Gareth Deegan (61), reached 167-1. However, looking for quick runs they fell away to finish on a disappointing 223 (Prabhaker Raju 5-46).

In reply, Sikh were always up with the run-rate and, at 125-3 looked favourites to win, but with skipper Dave Matthews returning to the bowling attack (4-32), the visitors were all out for 170 to ensure maximum points for the home team.

Over at Tong, visitors Rodley (217, Mark Hobson 84) enjoyed a 37-run win over Farnley Hill, with Richard Bedford hitting a valiant 122 out of 180 in the home side’s reply.

Shipley Providence (164-3, Chris Hawksworth 52, James Butterfield 50no) claimed the local bragging rights with a seven-wicket win over Baildon (162-9).

In Division B, new boys Apperley Bridge and Thornbury quickly made their mark. Bridge (229, Tahir Khan 54) travelled to newly-relegated Pudsey Congs and returned home with a comprehensive 165-run win, dismissing Congs for just 64.

Thornbury entertained near neighbours Pudsey St Lawrence and in a high-scoring encounter the home side posted an impressive 230-5 (Abdul Halim 104, Mohammed Rehan 59no). In reply, Lawrence came up just short with 202-9.

Last season’s runners-up Hepworth & Idle (115, Dale Wood 61) came a real cropper at Adel (134, Thomas Edwards 61), having had the home side at 46-6 earlier in the match.

The day’s biggest score came at Meanwood, who reached 307-4, with Bob Guthrie hitting 111. In reply, Farsley were all out for 163 (Rod Smaldon 62).

In Division C, there was a miserable start for Tong Park Esholt, who were shot out for just 34 at home to Cookridge (35-0), while in Division D, Wibsey Park Chapel (122) suffered a three-wicket defeat at Drighlington/Whitehall (123-7).