WANSTEAD got their defence of their Essex Premier Division crown off to the best possible start by trouncing their closest rivals in last year’s title race, Ardleigh Green, by a mammoth 128 runs.

Opening batsman John Chambers stole the show, getting the hosts off to a flyer with a magnificent century, before claiming three wickets in the Green reply.

He was pushed hard for the man of the match award, however, by Fayyaz Khan, who turned the game in Wanstead’s favour with a stunning hat-trick, as he went on to take five wickets.

Chambers set the tone from ball one, and found ample support in the form of captain Arfan Akram (39), before Milan Patel arrived at the wicket and plundered 77 runs.

The Herons charged to a daunting total of 291 for 5, leaving the visitors with it all to do. They began well, reaching 180 for 2, but Chambers and Fayyaz combined to great effect to topple Green’s order.

The win sends out a clear statement of intent from the defending champions, and skipper Akram is confident the team can fare well once again.

“We’re determined to prove that we’re no one hit wonders,” he said. “We have great strength in depth with some healthy competition and I’m confident we can win plenty of matches this season.”

Elsewhere, Woodford Wells’ return to the county’s top league began in defeat, as they went down by 64 runs to Colchester & East Essex.

South Woodford were well beaten by Brentwood, but there was better news for local side Fives and Heronians in Division One.

The Paddock men prevailed in a thrilling encounter with Westcliff-on-Sea, as Glen Jackson shepherded his team over the finish line with a terrific knock of 67, with just two wickets to spare.

Captain Terry Ballard played a similarly vital role with a quick-fire half-century.

The team were in disarray at 43-4, but the pair’s stand of 76 helped tip the balance of the match.

Newly relegated Chingford drew with Hornchurch, while a century from Rizwan Qureshi helped Loughton to a convincing opening day win over Wickford.

In Division Two, Buckhurst Hill beat Horndon on the Hill, and Walthamstow edged out local rivals Harlow. Belhus defeated Epping in Division Three, while Woodford Green, West Essex, Old Parkonians and Ongar all suffered losses.