Joe Middleton knows the heat is on his Broadwater side as they bid to claim back-to-back titles.

The champions have started their defence with two wins from two in the new West Sussex Invitation League division one.

They followed an opening day success against Ram with a five-wicket win away to Felbridge and Sunnyside but skipper Middleton admits being the team to beat is proving tough.

He said: “We are going into every game as champions and everyone knows that. They were a new side on Saturday but they still wanted to beat the champions.

“People are going to fight hard against us, so the pressure is on, but we have an experienced side.”

The hosts were bowled out for 190 with Paul O'Sullivan taking 5-22, although Steve Waller was the pick of the bowlers after putting the breaks on a flying start.

A superb opening stand of 138 in reply from Graham Waller (94) and Bob Reynolds (40) set up Broadwater for victory, with Steve Waller seeing them over the finishing line after a little wobble.

East Preston and Portslade also have two wins out of two. Mark Coskin took 6-19 – making it 13 wickets in two games – as East Preston bowled out Clymping for 76, having been dismissed themselves for 126.

Andy Reid hit 61 to lead Portslade to a four-wicket win at Horsham Trinity who were restricted to 151-7, Angus Cox scoring 42 as Luke Jones took 4-34. Johann Brouwer (59) and Brian Streeter (54) led Southwater to a six-wicket win at home to Crawley Eagles, who were dismissed for 156.