OPENER Gavin Howdon helped guide Corbridge Millers got their season off to winning ways.

His well made knock of 84, alongside a half century from Ivan Jepson, saw the team to 203, the total 100 more than what visiting Hexham Leazes II could post in reply.

Leazes started well with Tony Crosby and his captain Rob Willis racking up some runs, but great bowling from Charles Downs and Mark Terry stopped the visitors short.

Five wickets for Dan Tait ensured Belsay got off to a flyer, recording a comprehensive victory over Humshaugh II.

His bowling saw Humshaugh out for just 62 runs as no batsman made double figures, Belsay put on the track to glory by openers Allan Johnson and Jasper Gray.

Stamfordham will be looking to bounce back to Division One at the first time of asking, and they started with 20 points as they defeated new boys Clara Vale II by four wickets.

There was a double victory for Mitford with their first team defeating Allendale II and their seconds overcoming the challenge of Medomsley, who have stayed together after a tricky year in 2016.

Wylam II conceded their game with Haltwhistle II as the club’s first team needed extra players for their fixture with Haltwhistle’s firsts.