UPPER Wharfedale Cricket Club continued their strong start to the season, with 20 point wins for both teams on Saturday.

The First XI travelled to one of the more characterful grounds they will encounter this season at Thornton Watlass.

Bowling first, the Rams got off to a good start with Damar Graham (2-25) clean bowling two batsmen to leave the home side on 28-2. Fellow opener Matt Daggett (3-38) then took over and picked up three wickets, including that of the dangerous Thornton Watlass overseas for 35, reducing Thornton Watlass to 62-5.

The first and second change bowlers in the form of Freddie Binns and Tom Baines provided no respite with some tight lines and lengths. Despite a brief rally, the last five wickets fell quickly and Thornton Watlass were all out for 85. Binns ended with 3-5 and Baines 2-12.

Openers David Whitfield and Fred Fox unfurled a selection of sumptuous drives on their way to the small target which was reached without the loss of a wicket. Whitfield finished on 34* in his first innings of the season, whilst Fox continued his strong start to the season with a fluent 39*.

The Second XI batted first against Kirkby Malzeard and racked up a mammoth 277-6 from their 40 overs.

Opener and stand-in captain Dylan Canny top scored with 63and it set the tone for a 113 run win for the Upper Wharfedale 2nd XI.  REPORT BY: JAKE STARKEY