After the frustration of an abandonment in their first match in Division Four, newly-promoted Great Alne returned to winning ways with a 38 run win at Earlswood II.

The village side won all 15 of the matches they completed after voluntarily dropping into Division Five and romping to promotion last year.

Their opening victory at the higher level leaves the Henley Road side fourth but just two points behind league leaders Bearley Bears.

The villagers have a crunch home side against Rowington II on Saturday (2pm start).

Rowington are immediately above Great Alne in the table and are level on league points.