OLD Elizabethans got their season off to a winning start with a 107-run friendly victory at home to Kington.

They were inspired by a hat-trick from Stuart Phillips, combined with an encouraging batting display.

OEs, including three players making debuts, were asked to bat first in cloudy conditions and went on to post a respectable 184-3 from 45 overs.

Newcomer Simon Macey (53) and Chris Pearman (eight) compiled a 20-run opening partnership before Richard Silk (34) joined in to add 59 for the second wicket.

Once Macey had been bowled, skipper Sean Cairney (30no) joined Mark Groves (49no) in an unbeaten 51 stand in only 27 minutes.

Marsh returned the best figures for the Kington bowling attack with 2-43.

In reply, the Kington openers had only put on 14 before Marsh became the first of Phillips's hat-trick victims.

He then went on to bowl Symonds and Thorne with his next two deliveries, finishing with figures of 3-13.

Kington did not fully recover as Stuart Tipper (4-18), Matt Sprague (1-11), debutant Steve Burgoyne (1-14) and Pearman (1-7) ensured wickets fell regularly.

Burgoyne also took a good catch off Tipper that saw the visitors dismissed for just 77 in 32 overs.

OEs continue their preparation for the forthcoming season with a double-header against Pershore on Saturday.

n A young OEs team produced a creditable display in a 47-run friendly defeat at Evesham.

The visitors won the toss, electing to bowl, but Mark Penter (12) and Francois Nel (33) got off to a brisk start.

Scott Butler (2-45) and James Brinkley (1-20) stemmed the tide but Evesham rallied to grab 195 runs from 40 overs.

Neal Radford top scored with 81, while Steve Emson (1-29), Sprague (1-21) and debutant Matt Tyrrell forced wickets too.

In reply, Macey hit an impressive 45 and Brinkley 37 but then only Groves (17) reached double figures.

OEs always looked likely to fall short of their target as Radford took 2-24 and two run-outs did not help the cause.