THE earliest-ever start to an MSC Suffolk Alliance season saw a number of matches played in brilliant sunshine on Sunday - and the first three centuries of the campaign recorded.

THE earliest-ever start to an MSC Suffolk Alliance season saw a number of matches played in brilliant sunshine on Sunday - and the first three centuries of the campaign recorded.

Two came in the same match as champions Thomas Mills won by three wickets against BT & Waldringfield at Chantry Park.

Dheeraj Nayyar was in top form to score 108 for the home side, with useful help from Mark Smith (29) and Daniel Smith (27) to post an impressive total of 242 for eight.

However it was not enough as Mark Jones (105) and Joe Rusby (46) put Thomas Mills on the road to victory.

As Daniel Smith completed a good day with three wickets it came down to a close finish, but eighth-wicket pair Chris Beale and Ollie Cremnitz saw the Framlingham side home.

Jed Cawkwell, 15, scored his maiden senior century as Yoxford beat Kesgrave by six wickets with 15 overs to spare.

Paul Budd (59 not out), Andrew Gallant (42) and Mike Worne (32) were the main contributors to Kesgrave's 219 for eight, but Cawkwell carried his bat for 104 to lead the reply.

He was supported by 50 from Joe Bloomfield and 39 from James Alder.

Promoted pair Southwold and Brantham both started their Section A seasons with defeats.

Southwold were bowled out for just 93 at Sudbourne Hall, with Tom Jenking claiming five for 17 from his 12 overs.

Mick Peck (69 not out) and Richard Bramley (45 not out) then knocked off the runs without being parted.

Brantham could only muster 149 for seven at Elmsett, with Adrian Stockton top-scoring with 26.

The home side were given a good start by Marty Daniels (31) and Nadie Abdul's unbeaten 33 secured the win with an over to spare.

In Section B Saxmundham Sports began with a fine four-wicket win away to Melton St Audry's.

Before the match the teams observed a minute's silence in memory of former Saxmundham stalwart Ray Woodard, who was cremated last Thursday.

Ray, who also played for Benhall, was a fine all-rounder and a memorial ceremony was held at Carlton Park at the same time as Sunday's match at Melton.

Richard Marston dominated the St Audry's innings with an unbeaten 80 but the final total of 173 for eight did not look to be enough.

So it proved as Steven Owston paced the reply perfectly with 49, helped by Ben Foreman's 39 as the visitors got home in the penultimate over.

Needham Market were bowled out for 118 at Wortham, with Graeme Barker scoring a decent 47 not out.

Jack Buckmaster's 38 was the principal score in the home team's successful run chase as they secured a three-wicket win.

Andy Burgess claimed four for 15 in vain.

Easton began their Section C season with an exciting two-wicket win against Kesgrave II.

In reply to 155 for nine (Curt Johnson 34) Easton were given a good start by Richard Fernley (50), Will Thomas (29) and James Keeble (26).

Then Chris Beales (four for 33) and Manish Mohan (three for 16) got to work and the visitors only reached their target in the 38th over.

Half-centuries for Danny Clarke, BS Jothi and Paul McCart saw Felixstowe reach 218 for four, and Woodbridge were bowled out for 170 in reply, with Ed Parker top-scoring with 66.