Chiddingly began their defence of the East Sussex League title with an eight wicket defeat of Ditchling.

The omens did not look good when Ollie Burns (92) and Matthew Searle (30) put on 150 for the first wicket for Ditchling.

It helped the visitors to post a total of 221-6 but Chiddingly made light work of that tally, losing just two wickets on their way to victory. Hugo Youngman top-scored with an unbeaten 74, John Grieveson added 64 and Darren Howard chipped in with 42.

Ringmer, runners-up last year, also made a winning start against Rye. John Lovell hit 43 for Rye but they struggled against the bowling of Colin Coddington, who picked up 5-17.

Chasing a total of 133-9, Ringmer reached the winning mark for the loss of just one wicket thanks to Simon Pugh (54 not out) and Steve Barnett (48 not out).

Promoted Wadhurst enjoyed an eight wicket defeat of Fletching. Mark Horscroft helped Fletching amass 192-8 but Wadhurst passed that score for the loss of just two wickets thanks to Geoff Teyes (80 not out) and Mick Foster (56).

The other promoted side, Crowhurst Park, had the better of a draw with DPB, formerly The Boards. Martin Barry (64) and Mike Pannett (41) put on 111 for the first wicket for Park and further contributions came from Martin Menezes (58 not out) and skipper Michael Legg (31 not out) as they amassed 254-4.

Terry Penfold hit 70 not out in reply but DPB were restricted to 164-5, Paul Brookes taking 3-31.

Rupert Thacker was the prominent figure in Newick's draw with Herstmonceux. Thacker hit 60 not out and Martin Barnard chipped in with 46 as Newick totalled 181-6, with Paul Walker (4-35) being the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Mike Paige struck 57 and Herstmonceux appeared to be cruising at 140-2 but Thacker (4-13) then claimed a hat-trick and the visitors were reduced to 155-7 at the close.

Both sides relegated from the top flight opened their division two campaigns with wins.

Seaford enjoyed a three wicket triumph at Heathfield Park. The hosts totalled 177 all out with Steve Oakes striking 86 while John Smith picked up 5-45. In reply, John Reynolds hit 67 and Will Hopkins 42 as Seaford reached their target with seven wickets down, with four of them falling to Roger Tivey (4-40).

St Peters won by 91 runs against Lewes St Michael's after setting a total of 209-7 which included 78 not out from Matthew Knight. In reply, Jon Brown hit 49 but St Michael's were dismissed for 118 with Harry Birmingham taking 4-51 and Chris Pickett 3-22.

The sides promoted from division three shared a draw. Buxted Park made 187 all out with Nick Perry scoring 59 as Mark Smith (5-52) and Matt Ades (4-56) shared the wickets. The same players were among the runs in reply - Smith hitting 40 and Ades 30 - but Rottingdean were left holding on at 157-9 at the close with Simon Bulteel taking 4-56 and Brian Huxley 3-45.

Barcombe were eight wicket winners at home to Iden. Keith Hunter was chief tormentor with 7-27 as the visitors were bowled out for 163, John Dellar scoring 57. Robert Page (65) and Robert Jenner (64) then spearheaded the reply.

Battle edged victory at home to Glynde. Mark Usher struck 71 not out in Battle's 210-9 before Glynde were bowled out for 206.

Division Three and Four results on page 39