EGERTON began their Greater Manchester Cricket League Premier League season with a 47-run win at Greenfield on Saturday.

The visitors had Danny Partington to thank for their total of 169 as coming in with the score at 24-3, the keeper made an unbeaten 82 which included seven fours and four sixes.

Adam Robinson was the pick of the Greenfield bowlers with 6-34.

Professional Saliya Saman then led the way with the ball for Egerton, taking 5-11 as the hosts were bowled out for 122.

In Premier 2, Bradshaw laid down a marker with a 243-run win at Monton.

Opener Tom Liversedge top scored with 120 from just 129 balls as Bradshaw posted an imposing 290-5 batting first.

Opening partner Jordan Evans also made 63 as the pair put on 159 for the first wicket.

Zaid Patel then ensured it was a dominant win as his 6-20 helped skittle the hosts out for just 47 in reply.

Elsewhere in the GMCL’s second tier, Edgworth were also opening-day winners by six wickets at Bury.

Dom Morris’ quick-fire 60 had helped Bury post 165-6 but an unbroken century stand between Jon Kerrigan, 54, and Alex Waddicar would get the visitors over the line.

Heaton’s Championship campaign began with a narrow one-wicket win at Elton.

Darshan Varsani batting for Heaton against Elton. Picture: Harry McGuire

Darshan Varsani batting for Heaton against Elton. Picture: Harry McGuire

Tilaksha Malshan was the star of the show, taking 4-32 as Elton were dismissed for 133 before making 54 as the visitors edged over the line despite 3-46 from Steven Filkins.

In Division One Adlington lost by five runs at Oldham, Saj Khan’s 4-38 ultimately proving to be in vain.

Deane and Derby kicked their summer off with a 78-run win over Hindley St Peters in Division 2A.

Umar Farooq Patel top scored with 53 as the hosts were dismissed for 216 in the final over of their 50 batting first.

The wickets were then shared around as Hindley were bowled out for 138. Dawood Rawat took 3-18 and Sarfaraz Navaz Patel 3-26.

In Division 3 West, Bolton Indians beat United Stars by 53 runs.

Salman Patel made an unbeaten 57 and Ketan Patel 41 as the home side posted 179.

Jit Patel then did the damage with the ball, taking 7-61 a the Stars were all out for 126 in reply.

While the GMCL got their season under way on Saturday the Bolton Cricket League are not due to begin until May 1 with the season extended until September 18.

The league executive cited more chance for outdoor practice ahead of the new campaign and the increasing easing of restrictions when deciding on a date last month.

Clubs are not currently allowed spectators but those enjoying outdoor hospitality are allowed on site while matches are taking place.