THERE was a twist to the start of the new cricket season at Lyons Lane.

Last season, Appleton’s third XI consolidated their position in the Cheshire Cricket Alliance Fourth Division and their fourth XI, in their inaugural year, gained promotion from the Fifth Division to join their colleagues at the higher level.

That threw up the intriguing initial fixture between the two teams on Saturday, with the fourths running out winners by two wickets.

The thirds were restricted to 136 despite a fine innings from Paul Grumley supported by under 14s players, Sam Swift and Phil Jackson.

Father and son Stuart and Tom McIntosh opened the batting for the fourths, with Stuart hitting three fours and a six in the first three overs.

But it was Eitchy Rashid who guided the fourths home, smashing his way to 60 not out in 60 balls.