ALVECHURCH enjoyed a dream start to life in Division Two of the Crusader Worcestershire County League with maximum points at home to Cookley on Saturday.

It was a day for captains old and new with skipper John Rose taking four for 31 after the visitors surprised their hosts by opting to bat.

And last year's captain Nick Jones hit 58no as Church reached their target for the loss of three wickets to go top.

The maximum 24 points means the newly-promoted side are four points ahead of Saturday's opponents Brockhampton, the only other team to record a win on the opening day but Jones sounded a note of caution.

Bat and spin bowler Gareth Davies is back in the fold after missing two seasons through work commitments but the Birmingham Road side have made few changes from the team which won promotion last season.

Church visit Brockhampton in a top two clash on Saturday (2pm start).

Astwood Bank enjoyed a winning draw on their return to Division Two after relegation last season.

Teenage newcomer Pete Alexander had a useful debut as Bank posted 224 for four on a gloomy day with Andy Jagielski (76) and Steve Clarke (74) weighing in.

Opponents Oldswinford hung on at 104 for nine to scrape three points and the Bank went third with a 16 point haul.

Saturday's visitors Romsley and Hunnington (2pm start) are familiar enough after providing two of Bank's wins last season and joining Robinson's side in being relegated from Division One.

Feckenham opened with a losing draw at Hereford City after batting out a stubborn 71 for six in 32.1 overs.

Hereford had posted an impressive 255 total and Andy Fletcher's side opted for the pragmatic approach to pocket six points from a losing draw.

The Mill Lane side play their first home game (2pm start) against an Oldswinford side who were on the end of a losing draw to Astwood Bank in their first fixture.

Division Five outfit Hewell open their league campaign at Brintons on Saturday (2pm start).