Having played out a thrilling draw on the last day of the 2010 season, newly promoted Winchmore Hill and Richmond locked horns again for the first match of the 2011 campaign.

On this occasion, however, things were considerably more one-sided as Winchmore secured victory by 106 runs.

On an overcast and humid day, it was no surprise to see Richmond insert the hosts, but watchful knocks from openers Neil Hurst (71) and Luke Stoughton (20) helped to see off the new ball threat.

As the clouds disappeared Winchmore were able to accelerate to 225-3, thanks to a brisk 66 from Sasha Selveratnum and 42 from Jim Gatting.

The left-arm spin of Richmond’s latest Gilchrist Scholar Craig Dand (3-85) served to check the home sides progress to an extent, but when Winchmore declared on 262-7 after 62 overs, there was no doubt which side was the happier.

Faced with an imposing total Richmond began brightly, skipper Kevin Barrett (22) and fellow opener Nick Alexander (17) scoring at more than a run a ball.

Hopes of an unlikely run-chase were soon dampened, however, as 39-0 quickly became 42-2; Barrett falling LBW to Jamie Thorpe (4-50) and Alexander to Lasbourne Edwards (2-49).

Despite solid contributions from Shani Kamalia (32) and Hugo Shephard (29), the early momentum was quickly lost. Vice-captain and wicket-keeper Simon Elliott (25*) was the only man outside the top four to make double figures as spinner Dan Amedee (3-27) opened up the middle-order with two quick wickets.

As the light quickly faded so did Richmond hopes of a losing draw, and when Amedee bowled last man Jimmy Mugnaioni with the score on 156, Winchmore had won with 10 overs to spare.