Builth 315-5 beat Crickhowell 1sts 240 by 75 runs

Stand in skipper Aled Powell led from the front with a sparkling 141 as Builth 1sts got their Marches league season off to the best possible start at home to Crickhowell as both sides contributed to an opening day run fest.

Alongside veteran opener Winston Williams (38), Powell added 92 for the first wicket but it was the arrival of Chris Roff that provided the spark.

The second wicket pair stroked their way to a 173. run partnership with Roff contributing 83.

Powell was finally dismissed in the final over.

On a batting paradise Builth racked up a formidable 317-5 with a ragged Crickhowell attack only boosted by Tim price 2-61 and Beatty 2-52.

Facing an uphill task the visitor’s hopes were immediately rocked as they were reduced to 22-3 as Mike Williams (2-41) made early inroads.

Paul Cornock (46) and Tim Price (29) steadied the ship but it was Crick stalwart Nick Francis who put his side in with a fighting chance with a swashbuckling 92.

With Francis at the crease the visitors were up with required rate but his dismissal left the tail with too much to do as Eric de Greeve 3-48 and evergreen Rob Wall 3-21 wrapping up events dismissing Crick for 240 to leave Builth celebrating the perfect start to 2017.

Skipper Powell commenting on the win praised his side, saying: "It was a great all round performance with bat ball and in the field - but it was also a good game with over 500 runs scored."

Boosted further by the availability of Sam Williams and Steve Fuller Builth will travel to Garnons 1sts in good spirits on Saturday.

Garnons 2nds 226-2 beat Builth 2nds 154 by 72 runs

A young Builth second string put in a brave performance before succumbing to an experienced Garnons side in their Marches league division 3 bow on Sunday.

Choosing to bat first and with rain threatening Garnons raced to 225-2 before declaring.

The Builth attack of Steve Anderson, Ben Cripps, Ryan Brown and Arthur Davies toiling on a lightning quick outfield.

In reply Builth looked to cause a shock by threatening the Garnons brave declaration and Steve Anderson (49), Jonny Corzon (35) and Ian Morgan (21) got the home side's nerves jangling before Builth subsided to 154 all out.

Builth skipper Stuart Cripps, praising his young side commented: Òthere were many positives in a hard baptism but we stuck at it and the boys will learn much.Ó

Builth will look to further develop their squad at home to Crickhowell 3rds on Saturday.