The away side's new captain Lee Cook kept his team in with a chance, but it was to no avail, as Geoff Fawcett gave the hosts the honour of being first week leaders.

Last season's runners-up Harness and Cooper Joiners also lost with them going down to a 7-5 home loss to Jeanettes Driving School.

Louth Travel Centre will be delighted with their start to the new campaign with them winning 7-5 at Castaline.

This victory was even more impressive as the hosts struck first with Alan Mountain holding off Scott Miller's breaks of 59-38-33-20.

Mark Parrinder levelled the scores which gave Brian Copeland the joy of wrapping up the win and another side enjoying an opening away win were Seymour and Castle who shocked Kitchen Solutions, beating them 7-5.

J Melton Painters and Don Noble Bookmaker shared the points in a 6-6 draw.

Billiards League

The reigning Billiards League champions Naulls and Dales began with a fine 2-1 home win over Tudor Driving School.

Bob Barnes had the away side in the driving seat with seven breaks, but he was to end up on the losing side as Jack Westerby and Mark Storey completed the comeback in a match that saw Ray Charlton fire in a 48 break.