ALSAGER opening bat Paul Pickford hit a century on Saturday to earn his side a winning start to the season.

Pickford scored 102 as Alsager beat Birkenhead Park in the last over of their away league match.

Birkenhead opened with 176 for six off their 50 overs, and Alsager pipped them at the post with 177 for five.

Jeremy Ormes scored 21, Richard Bason hit 17, and Gary Pickford was 10 not out.

Steve Jones took three wickets for 47, backed by two for 25 from Gary Pickford.

Alsager claimed 20 points to nine for Birkenhead.

* Alsager 1st X1 are at home to Bramhall in the league tomorrow, and Bowdon in the cup on Sunday. The 2nds travel to Macclesfield tomorrow.