Swindon began the 2005 league season in fine style with a 34-run victory over Redmarley.

Darren Rourke once again made significant contributions with both bat and ball however it was a good all-round performance by John Baden's side and augers well for the rest of the campaign.

Batting first Swindon were off to the now customary explosive start with Rourke continuing from where he left off in 2004 and racing to 50 with powerful shots all around the wicket.

With Mark Williamson looking solid at the other end Swindon were well placed at 60-0 after 10 and another big total beckoned.

However Rourke holed out at long on and with Williamson following Swindon found themselves needing to rebuild.

New acquisition Tim Barton took responsibility and he, along with the lower order, managed to take Swindon up to 195 at the end of their allotted overs.

The Redmarley reply began steadily with Nichols and Willoughby able to exert some early control. Nichols struck twice to put Swindon in control as Watkins continued to bat freely at one end and with nine overs remaining Redmarley needed only 45.

A cluster of wickets then fell including Watkins for a fine 95. Swindon were able to mop up the tail and close the innings on 159, Rourke the most successful bowler with 4-51.

At the County Ground Swindon 2nd could not match their 1st XI counterparts and fell to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Gloucester City Winget.

Swindon found themselves in real trouble early on and could only reach 114-8 off their 45 overs, largely thanks to 49 from Darren Beasant. Despite making early in-roads Swindon could not defend such a small total and GC Winget got home with seven overs and six wickets to spare.

n Goatacre suffered a disappointing start to the Glos/Wilts One season when they were comprehensively beaten by visitors Lydney on Saturday.

Goatacre responded well to being put into the field and Adam Iles was rewarded for a tight opening spell when he bowled Legge with 10 runs on the board.

The introduction of Kevin Iles brought immediate dividends when he, aided by two good catches by Ed Wilkins, reduced Lydney to 41-3. Rhan Heer also bowled well and the visitors were in trouble at 110 for 5 after 31 overs. An unbelievable partnership of 130, where the luck deserted Goatacre's bowlers swung the game Lydney's way and they finished on 245-6.

Goatacre's reply started cautiously, Steve Lines and Steve Gee amassing an opening partnership of 65 in 25 overs. After their dismissals, for 35 and 27 respectively, the wheels fell off. They finished on 175-9 leaving Lydney victors by 70 runs.

Goatacre 2nd travelled to Marshfield and the home side's innings never got going from the moment Sean Preen bowled Shipp for a first-ball duck. Impressive bowling backed up by two stumpings from Peter Alsop saw Marshfield all out for 55 in the 18th over. In reply DuBoulay with 30 not out and 16-year-old debutant Toby Horton with an unbeaten 16, saw Goatacre to a comprehensive 10-wicket win.

Sunday saw Goatacre open this season's National Village Knockout campaign with a remarkable victory away to Baydon.

Baydon eventually being bowled out for a Goatacre record of 18. John Wilkins and Rhan Heer successfully scored the required runs without the loss of a wicket. Goatacre are away to Spye Park in the next round.