WARRINGTON’S first XI opened the Cheshire County League First Division campaign with a 45-run defeat at Bramhall.

Some good batting from the third and fourth batsmen helped Bramhall reach 176 for 3 from 41 overs before a fightback, with good bowling performances from Steve Heydon, Richard Heaney and S Carlisle, managed to keep Bramhall to 218 for 8.

Warrington, who host Christleton on Saturday at 1.30pm, were 42 for 3 after 12 overs but some gritty batting from new boy Heaney, 66, helped steer Warrington to 175 to secure some valuable points.

Heaney, who lives in Warrington, has joined the club for 2009 after spending previous seasons travelling to Yorkshire for matches.

The second XI lost at home to a strong Oulton Park team by six wickets after several key bowlers got injured while batting.

Warrington’s thirds were outplayed at Chester Boughton Hall but hung on for a deserved draw.

Simon Hewitt dismissed Chester’s openers, while Joe Pennington was the top scorer with 29.

Chester BH battered the young Warrington fourths attack, with the exception of 14-year-old Sam Houghton, 4 for 17.

Warrington were bowled out for 40 runs.