There was an exciting start to the Standard Bank Premiership on Saturday with victories for Castletown and Crosby, while Peel & St John’s got a winning draw against Cronkbourne in a match which was building to a stunning climax when rain stopped play.

Batting first, the westerners were quickly three wickets down for only nine runs.

Then skipper Chris Hawke led the fightback with a fine 77. Russell Miller hit 44 as the side finished on an impressive 233 for nine.

A great innings of 85 not out by Luke Lacey had driven Cronkbourne to 131 for one when conditions became too bad and the game had to stop.

Peel & St John’s took most of the points as their run rate was higher than that of the Douglas club.

Crosby’s batsmen were in fine form when they ran up 279 for six at Ramsey. Danny Kniveton with 78 and Jack Rowlands who made 72 not out led the charge.

Dom Howard took three for 34 and there were two wickets for Ollie Grice.

Ramsey ended on 135 thanks to 32 from Tom Howard and 23 by Grant Atchison. Dave Picken was on form with three for 16 from eight overs.

Castletown beat Valkyres in a low scoring game at King William’s College.

Young Sam Riordan top scored for the Town with 33 from their 132 for nine. Richard Jackson hit 28, while Hameed Sulthan claimed three for 20.

Jackson then turned in an impressive bowling performance with four wickets for six runs. Scott Weaver took two for three as Valkyres were dismissed for 57.

Paul Fleming top scored with 19.