The opening day of the Shropshire Star Village Cup proved a batting bonanza with three centuries and two 300-plus scores in the 40-overs format.

Whittington were the day’s top scorers as both Rob Morris and Matt Mackenzie reached three figures in their side’s 324-4 en route to a massive 165-run victory against Knockin, who were bowled out for 159 in reply.

Condover were the other team to crack along at eight an over in racking up 320-3 against Coton Hall, John Huckfield also becoming a competition centurion.

Not surprisingly, Coton Hall struggled in their pursuit of that gigantic total, as they managed just 145.

It was an altogether closer affair in the tie of the round, with Wroxeter defeating FBC Manby Bowlder Shropshire League division one rivals Cound by 31 runs.Nathan Fern and Paul Massey played vital rivals for Wroxeter as they totalled 207-7 off their 40 overs.

Despite losing key batsman Graham Trow and Dave Farrall cheaply, 77 from summer signing Jo Yapp gave Cound hope. But they came up short and were left to rue the 31 wides – and 45 extras in total – they conceded as Wroxeter moved into round two, much to the delight of skipper Nick Bevan.

“It was a good day all round and it bodes well for the competition,” he said.

“The great thing is that every side in the competition has to go for it because it’s win-lose cricket.

“At one stage Cound needed 150 off 20 overs and if that had been a Saturday, it could have turned out to be a boring end with the batting team playing for a draw.

“But you can’t do that in this format and it was good to see fours and sixes flying to all parts of the ground.

“It’s one of those games where you would have had to say well done to Cound if they had won it because they always kept going for the runs.”

Acton Scott claimed the scalp of Shropshire League division four side Corverdale, their 177 proving more than enough to register a comfortable victory.

The formbook was obeyed at Montgomery where the division two side overcome Guilsfield who play four divisions below them with relative ease.

Guilsfield were dismissed for just 47 as the never threatened to chase down their hosts’ 196-9.