NEWLY-promoted Corfe Mullen made a sensational start to life in Dorset Sunday Division One with a stunning 193-run victory over Christchurch.

Corfe Mullen, Division Two champions last season, picked up where they left off in 2012 to stamp their authority against their Dorset rivals.

The win could hardly have been more comprehensive as they racked up 248 for five before ripping through the Priory line-up for a paltry 55.

Captain Peter Hoar opened the batting and led from the front as he hit 79, a knock which included 14 fours.

The skipper received fine support from Matt Bray (35) in a first-wicket stand of 84, with Michael Jordan then hitting nine fours and a six in his 61.

Only one Christchurch batsman managed to reach double figures as they collapsed from 34 for one to 55 all out.

James Shilton (4-8) and Sam Stroud (3-21) contributed to Christchurch’s downfall as both produced excellent spells with the ball for Corfe Mullen.

  • Swanage batsman Matt Thomas made a sparkling start to the summer as Swans hammered Fovant by 72 runs.

Thomas starred as Swans made 214 for five before they ended Fovant’s reply on 142.

Batting first, Swans set about their work with a run-a-ball 125-run partnership between Thomas and Ian Booth.

Booth fell for 59 before Thomas was then well supported by Ben Baczala (29 not out). Thomas was finally dismissed for 88, attempting to hit his 13th boundary, as Swans closed on 214 for five from their 40 overs.

In reply, the hosts were soon under pressure from Ricky King and Elliott Baczala’s seam bowling. And once Jem Warner and Mike Hernandez had both claimed three wickets apiece, Swans went on to secure a comfortable opening-day triumph.

  • Matt Pope was the Cranborne hero as they registered a victory over Winton in a high-scoring clash.

Pope (89), Mike Kitson (40) and Charlie Arnold (21) all played a part as Cranborne racked up 272 (Joe May 2-28). May continued his fine work for Winton as he hit an unbeaten 80 in reply, with Charl Van Wyk (54) also registering a half-century.

But despite those efforts, Steve Leigh (2-22) and Kitson (2-42) ensured Cranborne would not be defeated as they took a 42-run win.

  • Ferndown Wayfarers (144) fell eight runs short when chasing Shillingstone’s total of 152.