ASTWOOD Bank made a winning start to Birmingham and District League Division Three with a 202 run win at Whitchurch.

Captain Steve Adshead hit a century as Bank proved to be too strong for their Shropshire rivals, who had been relegated last season.

After losing the toss, Bank were put into bat but despite delays for rain, powered to 311-5 in 45 overs.

Alex Robinson (37) and Sam Thomas (35) had handed the away side a solid start but it was a 163 run partnership between the captain and Andy Alexander which propelled them to a big score.

Adshead had made 104 runs off 62 runs, while Alexander had smashed a rapid 85 off 53 balls.

Astwood’s bowlers then ensured Whitchurch’s batting order had no chance of getting close to the winning target.

Thomas Harris (2-10) removed Maisam Hasnain Jaffri (0) and Simon Dimelow (1) as Whitchurch lost their openers for just seven runs.

Dan Thomas then took control, with five victims during his seven overs for just 27 runs as Whitchurch collapsed to 109 all out. Dan Taylor also took three wickets on a good day for the club’s bowling attack.

“We didn’t really know Whitchurch at all, so this is a very good result,” commented Adshead.

“We got off to a good start with the bat and Andy Alexander and myself were able to put a big partnership together.

“The bowlers were also excellent. Whitchurch have a few new players and are still gelling together but we stopped them from playing.

“It was a great way to start the season and a big contrast to last season.”

Astwood commence their home campaign against Water Orton on Saturday (noon start), who were also relegated from Division Two.

Bank memorably defeated them in the Village Knockout Cup two years ago.