OPTIMISTIC Kingston Lacy skipper Greg Parsons watched his side record an opening-day victory and then backed them to feature in the battle for honours this term.

Lacy made an impressive start to the Dorset Sunday Division One season by defeating Parley by 48 runs in a high-scoring contest.

Parsons told the Echo: “As long as we can keep our players around and field the same side, we should be up there.”

Lacy’s victory owed much to a mighty unbeaten 118 from Simon Watkins as they compiled 293 for four batting first against Parley, with Nick Park (59) also finding form.

Roshan Embalagama (58 off 54 balls) got the Parley reply off to a good start, while Raj Naik (34) and Salman Khattak (64 not out off 41 balls) also shone.

But they fell 48 runs short, with Chris Blake leading the way with the ball for Lacy, taking three wickets.

  • Cranborne also got their season off to a flying start with a thumping 129-run win over St Georges.

Dan Loader was the star of the show, as he produced the goods with both bat and ball for the victors.

His 92 helped Cranborne post 251 for six batting first, with Carl Poore hitting 52.

Then St Georges were skittled for 122 as Loader (3-16) and Phil Park (3-9) both returned impressive figures.

  • A ton from Tony Robinson laid the foundations for Christchurch’s victory against Blandford.

He hit 103 as Christchurch got home with five wickets to spare, chasing Blandford’s 207 for six (Alex White 83).

  • Reigning champions Bournemouth (109-6) began the defence of their crown with a four-wicket success against Henstridge (105).

But Poole Town (189) lost out against Studland (190-8) by two wickets.