UPPER Wharfedale 1st XI got life in the Division Two of the Theakston Nidderdale League off to a flying start with a 238 run win over Whixley at the weekend.

Put into bat on a blustery afternoon in Grassington, the Rams lost opener Dave Eggleton for just 12. However, Fred Fox (82) combined with Jake Starkey (64 from 52) to record a 130 run partnership for the second wicket. After a couple of cameos from skipper Joe Daggett (28) and Damar Graham (24), Callum Lockett then laid into the Whixley bowling attack and plundered a stunning 82* from just 34 balls. The Upper Wharfedale innings ended on a mammoth 329-6 from 45 overs.

Whixley started solidly, putting on 35 for the first wicket, before Matt Daggett made the first breakthrough. Wickets then tumbled at regular intervals with Freddie Binns picking up his first wicket of the year, followed by an astounding run out, and James Stephenson spinning his way to figures of 3-10. Special mention however goes to Dan Benson who bowled a mammoth 11 over spell up the hill and into a howling wind for 2-20.

Overseas recruit Damar Graham returned from a fiery opening spell to pick up the last wicket and Whixley finished on 91-9 with their last batsman unable to take to the crease due to injury.

The 2nd XI, also newly promoted into Division 6, had a resounding 139 run win over Ripley.

Batting first, they racked up 218-4 from their 40 overs with Martin Chisnall carrying his bat on debut for 115 runs. Keeping it in the family, son Harry also chipping in with 41 from 30 balls.

Harry Peace then ripped through the Ripley top order with 3-8. The rest of the wickets were shared by fellow youngsters Ollie Metcalfe (2), Dylan Canny (1) and Chisnall Jnr capping off a fine all round display with two wickets. Not to be outdone, elder statesman Dave Stockdale also picked up a couple of wickets as Ripley were bowled out for 79.  REPORT BY: Jake Starkey