The Bradford & District Evening League season began with two thrilling matches, Bolton Villas and John Breare emerging victorious.

Jason Holmes top-scored for John Breare against new boys Shipley Providence as the away side made 98 all out. Star of the show for the home team was Saqib Mir, who returned five for 14.

Carl Ward (31) and Junaid Ahmed (24) seemed to have set the home side off to a winning start but veteran bowler Steve Tinsley used all his experience to bowl three overs at the end of the innings for a miserly seven runs, taking two wickets in the process to leave Shipley an agonising three runs short of victory.

An equally compelling game took place between the other newcomers at Cambing.

Visitors Bolton Villas were indebted to student Jonty Poward, who hit a blazing 46 not out in their 118 for eight, S Shah taking four for 17.

Sam Wade then claimed three crucial wickets as the home side ended their run chase on 114 for seven.

Elsewhere, Jer Lane emerged convincing winners after restricting Royal Mail to 65 for seven. Lee Ashforth then hit 33 not out for Jer.