BROOKLANDS had an underwhelming start to the season as all their senior sides lost their opening games.

The first XI, under new captain AJ Hart, did not have too much to shout about as Widnes bowled them out for 95 with only Ali Buchan (24) and Malkit Singh (20) entering double figures, Fayaz Ughradar taking 4-30.

The visitors reached their target for the loss of just three wickets – two to New Zealander Dan Duke – with Danny Naughton's quickfire 57 leading the way for Widnes.

Brooklands will look to regroup at Stockport on Saturday.

The third XI travelled to Sandbach seconds in a new league structure for the level and toiled in the field allowing Sandbach to reach 175-7 batting first with Richard Cotton scoring 68 before being run out, and opener Mark Olpin scoring 53.

Brooklands could only muster 90 in 37.4 overs in response with only Ross Willard (31) making any inroads. Their first home game is against Didsbury on Saturday.

The seconds were competitive throughout at Nantwich. Choosing to bat first, a partnership of 79 between Nick Little (52) and Richard Palmer (30) got Brooklands to 97-1 before a collapse saw them on 116-6.

Rob Leach (29 not out) and Ethan Brooks (a run-a-ball 28) then put on 49 to help the visitors to a competitive 176-9. Nantwich recovered from 18-2 courtesy of a large partnership between Robert Howell (24) and Phil Rimmer (65) and were able to chase successfully for the loss of eight wickets, though they did not win until the final over. The thirds' first home game is on Saturday against Stockport.