MALCOLM Slade notched a fifer as Knockout Cup holders Herrison Youth began the defence of their crown with victory over Puddletown Reserves.

Last year’s winners opened the batting in this second round clash and went on to record 137-3 from their 20 overs, with Paul Chatterton (45) top-scoring for Youth.

Puddletown (103-6) made a good fist of the chase but struggled to contain Slade’s onslaught as the Herrison bowler recorded impressive figures of 5-31.

And the 34-run triumph ensures the champions’ progress to the last eight.

Also in the cup, Puddletown’s first string (78-5) advanced to round two with a five-wicket win over Churches United (76-6).

Mat Porter (33 not out) and Neil Barrett (3-18) were the Villagers’ heroes.

Division One reigning champions St George’s got their league campaign off to the perfect start by defeating Bere Regis.

Sam Goodhew’s (3-21) three-wicket haul helped restrict the latter to 86-8 before the Saints (90-4) successfully reached their target with six wickets in hand.

Just 24 hours after their cup success, Herrison (131-6) experienced league joy with a 17-run win over Hazelbury Bryan (114-9).

Dave Griffiths (56) weighed in with a fine half-century before Rich Cole snared 3-34 for the victors.

Also in the top tier, Justin Miller (4-24) claimed four wickets as Dewlish (118-4) overcame Cerne Valley (117-7) before Martinstown (112-9) narrowly inflicted a second defeat on Cerne (110-7).

Cattistock (80-3) maintained their unbeaten start in Division Two thanks in part to Martin Langford’s three-wicket haul, for the concession of a just a single, against Winfrith (79).

However, the latter (130-2) enjoyed better luck against Frampton (127-5) as Matt Thomas plundered an unbeaten 77.

Puddletown (100-2) saw off the challenge of Abbotsbury (97-4) while Charlton Down saw Mark Homewood return figures of 4-24 in a 37-run win over Plush (106).

Not even a superb knock of 76 from Stuart Beasley could save Colliton Club (127) from defeat against Churches United (130-2) in Division Three.

Elsewhere, Puddletown Reserves (84-1) got the better of Charlton Down Seconds (80-3) and Martinstown Seconds (91-4) came out on top against Puddletown RFC (90-7).