Visiting captain Sean Ennis won the toss and elected to field first in what appeared to be bowler friendly conditions.

The home side got off to a flying start however, and their aggressive approach paid off as opening pair of Mark Morgan (62) and Danny Lewis built a strong partnership.

Binfield’s bowlers stayed positive but found it difficult on a small ground, as boundaries continued to flow.

Matt Lance (41no) and Jonathan Cockroft (40) added to the Penn onslaught, although the previously used wicket became increasingly difficult as it dried out, with many deliveries striking the batsmen’s upper body from full pitched deliveries.

Despite the deterioration of the wicket, the hosts took their total to a highly competitive 249-6 off their allotted 52 overs, with Barney Sykes (4-52) the pick of the Moles’ attack.

The visitors set about their target in positive fashion, but opener Michael Allan-Canty fell victim to a popping delivery.

Adam Marshall picked up where he left off last week, scoring 34 before being dismissed by a similar ball which stopped in the track.

This became the theme of the Binfield innings, as eight Binfield batsmen were caught on a bad day for last season’s runners-up.

Only Paul Edgington’s 40 was able to give them any fluidity, as Binfield were bowled out for 121, giving Penn a comfortable victory.

A frustrated Ennis confessed: “It was an extremely disappointing day for us and one that we’ve got to put behind us and move on from as quickly as possible.

“Penn’s batsmen played very well and made the most of conditions while the track was behaving more naturally.

“Unfortunately what I didn’t realise was that the pitch would become quite so poor as it dried out and I didn’t expect length deliveries to be flying past our heads.

“That said we didn’t apply ourselves to it and were left embarrassed. It’s still early days in the season, so we will go again next week and remain confident that we can make a strong start in the campaign.” Binfield will hope to return to winning ways when they host Denham – who have lost their opening two games – this coming Saturday.

Binfield 2nds beat Penn & Tylers Green 2nds by 68 runs in Division Two.

Richard Higginson (87) helped his club gain a measure of revenge for the first team’s defeat, helping Binfield post a useful 198-5.

And the visitors were never really in the hunt as James Wright (4-28) decimated their reply, Penn & Tylers Green bowled out for 130 in just 31.2 overs.