RELEGATED Worcester Nomads beat promoted Harvington at Bransford in their Worcestershire Cricket League Division One opener by four wickets.

After Nomads captain Ben Schiffmann won the toss, Harvington were asked to bat in overcast conditions and it was obvious runs would be hard to get.

Following a delayed start, the weather intervened, causing a further delay of 90 minutes.

On resumption, the visitors’ wickets fell regularly and only Jayden Lennox (47 not out) came to terms with the Nomads attack in a total of 160-8.

Schiffmann took 3-26 for the hosts from nine overs.

With the new league regulations, Nomads had to score 97 runs from 20 overs in their quest for victory.

They too lost wickets and, with 20 required from the last three overs, a tight finish was on the cards.

Guy Davies (11no) and Schiffmann (8no), with enterprising running, saw Nomads home with three balls to spare to gain 20 points.

Opener Sam Roberts top-scored with 19 in their 98-6 innings.

Colwall, who were also promoted last season, enjoyed a fine opening win at Worcester by four wickets.

The hosts were dismissed for 151 with Michael Gooch taking 3-24 and Damien Berry 2-35.

Nick Panniers’ 58no drove Colwall home on 99-6 in 22.4 overs after the target was adjusted due to rain.

Much-fancied Bromyard’s visit to Belbroughton was abandoned. In Division Two, promoted Malvern’s home game with Lye also fell foul of the weather.

In the Second XI divisions, Colwall’s match with Stourport, Bromyard’s game against Alvechurch and Hopwood and Malvern’s trip to Chaddesley Corbett were all abandoned.

But Nomads seconds won at Cookley in Division One by 113 runs after amassing 251-3 from 50 overs.

Paul Gardner blasted 95 runs alongside 56 from Derek Austin and Joe Laugher’s 34 no. Cookley then fell short on 138-5.

Eastnor lost by four wickets at Tamworth in Birmingham League Division Two after being dismissed for 132.

The Second XI Division Two South fixtures between Barnards Green and Astwood Bank and Eastnor and Sutton Coldfield were both abandoned.