THE Hawks started their season by hosting Harrogate rivals The Druids at the lovely setting of Bolton Abbey and suffered a heavy defeat.

They started brightly enough after choosing to bat first with Ed Parker and Doug Bradley putting on 74 for the first wicket before Parker fell for 15.

Bradley went on to make an excellent 81 and he was assisted by Tom Lester (25), Paul Gillson (33) and 13-year-old Jamie Peel (19).

Peel showed a good range of shots and completely overshadowed his dad Mick who got a duck as Hawks made 195 in their 35 overs.

The visitors made pretty light work of chasing their target with Pete Hughes striking 62, Andy Firth (35) and Tiny White (35) leading the way.

The only bowler to have success was Tom Lester (4-41) as the Druids cruised to a five-wicket win with ten overs to spare.

Hawks were not helped by their fielding as several catches were dropped and 26 extras conceded.

This Saturday the Hawks visit Burton Salmon for the first fixture between the two sides.