GREEN'S 2nd & 4th XIs kicked off the Saracens Herts League 2016 season in fine style with victory - and while the 1st XI came within three runs of a win, it was tough first game for the 3s.

Nick Merrett led the 2s chase of a 200-plus target at Hitchin while Mike & James Downes (Downes, Downes, Downes) starred with bat and ball respectively as the 4s made light work of Abbots Langley IV at Parmiter's School.

Thanks to Merrett's 52, the 2nd XI chased down Hitchin's 212-8 with five balls of the 100-over game to spare.

New signing Jillani Ghulam conceded just 23 runs for two wickets from his 10 overs while Levy were indebted to 37 not out from the laser-sharp eyes of Abbas Ali to drag them over the winning line.

At Parmiter's School, it was the Downes Show; son James claimed 4-13 as the visitors crumbled to 79 all out, then father Mike struck 58 not out to seal a nine-wicket win over Abbots Langley IV.

The 1s missed out on an opening-day triumph by just three runs, falling two short of a fine chase at home to Hitchin - who posted 249-7 from their 50 overs at The Green.

In reply, Sol Tomlinson built on his pre-season 97 with 57 more at the top of the Levy order, supported by 40 from fellow opener Lewis Koch and a patient 68 not out from Nahim Iqbal who - along with various partners coming and going - couldn't quite knock off the run-a-ball 18 required from the final three overs.

Becky Tyson's 2-31 was the pick of the Levy Green 3s bowling away to Abbots Langley III, although there were few other highlights. 'Shotgun' Steve May and debutant Atul Tomar also collected a brace of victims apiece as the hosts amassed 209-8.

In reply, Green were disappointing with the bat. Opener Connor Church top-scored with 28 as what looked an ample Levy batting line-up could only rustle up a mere 91 all out.