CHIPPING Sodbury produced a battling display before slipping to a 24-run reverse away to newly promoted Tewkesbury on the opening league weekend of the season.

Seamers Jon Toghill (3-23 from seven) and Jamie Wakefield (2-28) helped restrict the home side, elevated to the Glos and Wilts division in the 6X West of England Premier League, to a total of 240.

Sodbury then came up just short despite 54 from Jamie Rendell, plus useful contributions from Craig Scully (32) and young opener Jake Reed (17), who made a good impression on his league debut for the club.

Sodbury seconds, meanwhile, got their WEPL campaign off to a winning start with an eight-wicket home success over Dumbleton, Richard Bennett (79 not out) enjoying himself as his side comfortably reached their target of 175.

Earlier, left-armer Richard Wood hit form with the ball, claiming 4-31.

Sodbury thirds had to work a lot harder for their win over Gordano Valley in Division Four of the new-look linear Globe Sports Bristol and District League.

The North Somerset side were rumbled for just 59 thanks to fine bowling efforts from the teenage duo of Callum Davidge and Jack Thacker.

And Sodbury then had to show real character to bag maximum points, veteran Mike Pearson drawing on all his experience to hit an unbeaten 30 and guide his side to a nerve-tingling one-wicket win.

In Division Ten, Sodbury fourths proved far too strong for their Old Bristolians Westbury counterparts.

Steve Doidge hammered 100 off 77 balls (seven sixes, eight fours), while Callum Carter enjoyed himself with 65 from only 34 deliveries (five sixes, seven fours) in a total of 323-9.

And Sam Vile (3-7) and Steve Febry (2-0 from four balls) then combined to skittle the Old Boys for only 38.

Sodbury fifths continued the winning theme with a nine-wicket defeat of Barrow Gurney seconds, who were bowled out for 112 thanks to the efforts of Ali Scott (3-6), Harry Phillips (2-12) and James Millett (2-16).

Dave Gorman, making his club debut, then ensured few problems with an unbeaten 67.

On Saturday, Sodbury’s first team entertain Swindon while the seconds are away to Stroud.

The thirds are away to Taveners, while the fourths and fifths welcome Twyford House A and Hallen seconds, respectively.