REIGNING North Lancs and Cumbria Cricket League champions Furness began their title defence in style with a crushing ten-wicket defeat of Whitehaven.

New Kiwi pro Seth Rance, paceman Pete Lawson and Garry Thompson took three wickets apiece as the visitors were bowled out for just 84 in Saturday’s Premier Division opener. Ryan Griffiths then made 55 not out as Furness coasted home at 85 for 0.

Haverigg made a good start to their first division campaign as their West Indian professional Dalton Polius scored 106 not out as they defeated Workington seconds by 80 runs.

In the Northern League Barrow earned their first victory of the season as they earned a four-wicket win at Preston, with Daryl Wearing taking four for 33.

l Full round-up of the weekend action plus pictures in Tuesday’s Evening Mail.