RUPERT Ladies A, who have been champions for the last 10 seasons, suffered defeat at the hands of Darcy Lever C&CS A on the opening day of the Bolton Sports Federation Ladies Rounders League.

The much-anticipated opening fixture, which has previously been a pointer to the destination of the championship, lived up to its billing with Darcy rising to the occasion to put down their own marker, winning 149-119.

They took a narrow first-innings lead of 62-60 but stepped up the pressure in the second innings, adding 87 to their score before dismissing Rupert for 59.

Last season’s runners up, Little Lever XI staked their claim with a 60-run win away to 24/7, winning the first innings by 25 and the second by 35 for a final score of 122-182. Zoe Bluer was Little Lever’s top scorer with 32 in the first innings followed by 20 in the second.

Lostock CMB, formerly Horwich CC, beat promoted Davies XI, declaring their second innings while Walkden CC A also won a one-sided game by an innings against Westside. Walkden scored 133 then dismissed the visitors for 20 and 32.

Promoted Kearsley CC A picked up where they left off last season and visited fellow promoted team Walkden CC B, winning by an innings.

Walkden made a game of it after trailing 126-72 on the first innings. But Kearsley turned the screw after the break and dismissed them for 30.

In preparation for the Junior Interleague match on May 31, the team manager has arranged a practice/selection session at 11.30am on Sunday at Bolton Cricket Club. Interested players who were under the age of 18 years on April 1, should attend.

Despite the unseasonable weather, only 12 games were abandoned as the light gave out, but a considerable number were declared as soon as the result was beyond doubt.

If matches are abandoned, teams must try to rearrange to play within 14 days and must inform the match secretary and referee secretary.

If the teams cannot agree on a date, the match secretary will arrange one.