STEVE Bullen smashed away a fearsome century as Corsham got their season off to the perfect start with a four-wicket victory over Downend.

The Station Road men won the toss and opted to field first, and that allowed Simon Crampton to pile on the pressure, claiming five wickets for just 19 runs in his ten overs.

Crampton accounted for Patrick Grieshaber, who top-scored for the visitors with 69, whilst Matt Jackson was also amongst the runs, hitting an unbeaten 61.

Opener Brandon Gilmour hit 46 as Downend posted a competitive 253-9.

But Corsham’s Bullen wasted no time in driving his team towards victory, firing 20 fours as he hit a hefty 113 from 106 deliveries.

Captain Ashur Morrison weighed in with 61 whilst Pete Dennett was also amongst the runs, contributing with an unbeaten 38 as the home side cruised to 255-6 with two-and-a-half overs to spare.

Corsham’s second game of the season in Premier One sees them travel to Taunton St Andrews, who opened up with an eight-wicket demolition of Bridgwater, next Saturday.

GABRIEL Field's 76 wasn't enough to prevent Corsham from a six-wicket defeat by Keynsham in the Premier One (2nd XI).

Goatacre’s Tendai Maruma scored 40 in his side’s 162 all out, which was overhauled by Chard (164-9), despite three wickets for Tom Mills in Premier Two (2nd XI).

Paul Clark hit 57 and Chris Penhaligan 57 in Potterne’s 238 all out against Warminster, who were all out for 93 in reply, Ben Mason, Aaron Kyte and Liam Cutler each taking three wickets.