Danushka Perera cracked a ton as St Francis got their title defence off to a winning start with a five-wicket win over Balcombe in division one.

Perera made an unbeaten 107 not out despite Richard Botting’s 5-36 as Balcombe’s 189-9 target was overhauled in just under 24 overs. Earlier, James Taylor (66) and Gary Botting (54) had shone with the bat.

Last season’s runners-up, Streat, were also winners as Ravi Kumar (85 not out) and Nigel Jeyes (79) helped them post an imposing 234-4 target at Roffey III, Roffey were then dismissed for 158 with Kumar taking 4-19 from ten overs. Alan Riddle (54) was the leading scorer.

Smallfield’s Luke Gregori made 110 in a 189-9 total and Preston Nomads III were then rolled over for 87 with Gregori taking 6-36 to cap an excellent all-round display.

Ben Toogood made 48 not out in Poynings’ 150 at Staplefield as Charlie Cooper (3-11) made inroads. The hosts eased to a four-wicket win with Steve Barker (48) and Yasir Khan (43) leading the way.

Michael Watson (52) and John Henley (41) top scored in Dormansland’s 205-7 and visitors Hartfield never got close as they were dismissed for 113 with Henley (3-15) and Michael Skilleter (3-19) in fine form with the ball. Chris Bowers (48) top scored for Hartfield.

Dave Ward hit 56 not out as Crawley Down were restricted to 228-8 by Rod Candfield (6-63) but visitors Cuckfield III stumbled to 170-8 in reply for the draw with Candfield (42) again impressing. Rakash Perekh took 3-23.

East Grinstead III scored 191-7 as Andy Hill (4-56) made inroads for Edenbridge, who hung on at 123-9 in reply as South African off-spinner Viv White did his best to force victory with a superb 7-42.