Newly promoted Allscott made the dream start to the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League season by notching up the most convincing success of the opening weekend.

Last season’s FBC Manby Bowdler champions were seven wicket victors at Newtown on a day when Callum Starling bowled eight overs with the new ball despite having a slipped disc in his back.

“That was exactly what we need just to get the season going and it gives us something to build on,” said captain Chris Starling.

Despite 42 from talisman Mike Bellamore, Newtown were bowled out for 114, Chris and Callum Starling both taking three wickets.

Carl Starling made an unbeaten 60 while Andy Withington made the long trip from Derby worthwhile with 39 as Allscott got home for the loss of just three wickets and with 25 overs to spare.

There was a thrilling finish at Madeley where Quatt edged past the hosts by a single wicket.

Chasing 145 for victory, Quatt appeared in big trouble as their top order mis-fired to leave them reeling on 60-5 and 105-8.

But Craig Jones gave the innings a focal point and he eventually finished unbeaten on 67 after teaming up with Jimmy Arbuckle to put on 20 for the final wicket and secure a success.

Arbuckle and Brian Jones had earlier taken three wickets to restrict Madeley to 144-9 from their 50 overs.

Relegated Oswestry began the season in style with a four-wicket success at Shelton.

Alex Huxley hit 33 and Paul Robinson an unbeaten 22 as the Morda Road men successfully chased the 121 they required for victory.

A half century from debutant Shivraj Singh couldn’t prevent Bomere Heath slipping to an opening defeat at Albrighton, the hosts getting past their target of 158 with with three wickets to spare thanks to useful contributions from Gareth Hughes and former skipper Paul Reid.

Defending champions Reman Services were left waiting for their first victory of the season after having to settle for a winning draw at Ludlow.

Phil Caudle’s 31 helped Reman reach 144 before being dismissed in the last over on a difficult pitch for scoring, Pete Coote taking 3-34 for Ludlow.

Three early wickets for Shane Gwilt gave Reman hopes of forcing victory but the visitors dug deep.

And despite three late scalps for Dom Bradburn – including one off the final ball of the match – Ludlow hung on to finish on 124-9.

Wem proved why many expect them to have an encouraging season with a convincing 66 run success at Broseley.

A 110-second wicket partnership between Neil Prince (41) and Will Savage (40) laid the platform fort Wem’s 210-4 before Martin Gaunt and Matty Cohen added some late impetus with unbeaten scores of 44 and 34.

Alex Ollerenshaw then took 6-46 off 14 overs as Broseley were skittled for 144.

The match between Much Wenlock and Welshpool was called off without a ball being bowled because of a wet outfield.

By JAMES GARRISON