LAST Sunday saw the first games of the new Malvern Football League season but the day was tinged with sadness as all teams observed a minute's silence for the late chairman of the league Norman Simmons.

If the runners-up for the last three seasons, Oak Allstars, thought they were going to have an easy path to the title following the disbandment of the champions Bishops Frome they were soon made to realise otherwise when they entertained Ganglands.

True to last season's games involving Ganglands a high-scoring game ensued and Oak Allstars found themselves 1-4 down midway through the first-half but they then seemed to realise they had a real game on their hands and made it 4-4 at half-time.

The second-half saw Allstars get on top and even though they were made to work hard they came out winners in a highly entertaining game by 8-5. Ganglands' goals came from Gordie Mansell, Stuart Preece and a Wayne Cadmore hat- trick. Oak All Stars goals came from Jamie Gladwin, Jamie Welch and four from James Dean with the final goal of the game coming from a Ganglands' own goal.

Last season's third-placed team Dynamo Ledbury also found the going hard when they entertained Oak Misfits.

On a hard, bouncy pitch it was the visitors who had the better of the early play only for Dynamo Ledbury to take the lead in the 16th minute. A fine through-ball from Adam Thomas found Nathan Dixon whose shot ended in the back of the net. Terry Boswell and Jason Emery both gave the home defence some problems and it took until early in the second-half when it was Nathan Dixon who latched on to a partial clearance to coolly lob the ball over the keeper.

Dynamo's third goal was an excellent turn and volley home from the edge of the area by Gerwyn Lloyd. Nathan Dixon was then thwarted by a series of excellent saves by Oak keeper Chris Hodges, who made the save of the game to prevent substitute Richard Griffiths scoring with his first touch of the ball. He flung himself full length to touch the ball over the bar.

Cross Keys entertained Ledbury Rangers and goals from Rob Cullen, Mike Cole, Ed Lyons, two from Danny James and two also from keeper Craig Humphries gave them a 7-0 victory.

Morgan Aero 8 beat Keys Victoria 8-1 with goals from Dave Lawrence, Phil Leah, James Argent, two from Conrad Arnold and a Matt Ilsley hat-trick with the visitor's response coming from Kevin Gregg.

Belmont Keys visited newcomers Oak Acadamy and took the points with a 4-1 victory thanks to goals from Dave Jones, Dave Perrera and two from Matt Doverton with Oak Acadamy's goal coming from Dean Kibble. Acadamy put up a very credible performance in their first game and it was 1-1 up to the 80th minute before they tired and let in three late goals.

Keyz 04 and Talbot head shared the points in a 1-1draw. Danny Briscoe put Talbot ahead when he latched onto a long clearance from keeper Nick Rogers before Alexander Peck equalised for Keyz 04 with a tap in. Briscoe missed a spot kick just before half time when he fired against the post.

The draw for the first round of the Senior Cup: Fromes Hill Reserves v Fromes Hill, Dynamo Ledbury v Cross Keys, Belmont Keys v Oak Acadamy, Oak Misfits v Keys Victoria, Oak Allstars v Bell Inn 98, Ganglands v Ledbury Rangers, Keyz 04 v Morgan Aero 8. Bye - Talbot Head.