Aire-Wharfe: Five-wicket Horsforth bowler Sharrocks sees off champions Beckwithshaw

Hosts Horsforth piled on the runs after ’Shaw won the toss and elected to field with Bailey Worcester’s 74 the highest contribution towards a total of 351-7. Two other batsmen passed the half-century marker with Sajad Ali making 59 and Sharrocks posting 59.

Sharrocks then turned his attentions to skittling Shaw’s batsmen with the Horsforth ace taking 5-52 from 15 overs as the champions were kept to 228-8. Only Ross Sedgley (58) passed a half ton for ’Shaw.

Last year’s runners-up, Otley, are among the early leaders after an eight-wicket success at Ilkley who were skittled for just 123. Otley’s Nathan Goldthorp produced a phenomenal spell of 5-1 from just 4.1 overs, three of which were maidens.

Otley then eased to 124-2 as openers Jonathan Hughes (37) and skipper Ben Morley (67) shared an opening-wicket stand of 105.

Newly-promoted Adel began life in Division One in style with a six-wicket triumph at home to Bilton who were bowled out for 135. Adel then made their way to 137-4 with David Foster top-scoring with 49.

Rawdon recorded an opening-day success against visiting Guiseley who were seen off by 71 runs. Wicketkeeper Harry Nicholson’s knock of 56 helped Rawdon to 214-7 and Marcus Berryman then took 4-24 as Guiseley were dismissed for 143.

Burley-in-Wharfedale won a very low-scoring clash at home to Follifoot who were sent packing at just 69 all out on their return to the top flight.

Joshua Challenger snared 5-29 as only three Follifoot batsmen reached double figures.

Lewis Bolton’s unbeaten 36 eased Burley home at 70-4.

Alongside Otley, Pool were the only other team to win away from home on the opening day through a 38-run verdict at North Leeds. James Rosewarne was the star of the show, smashing 78 as Pool posted a target of 167 which proved too much for North Leeds who were knocked down for 129.

Rosewarne was again a nemesis for North Leeds as he took 7-35 from his 12.2 overs.