BOXTED batsman Ian Evans commanded pride of place as the PDQ Cars North Essex League launched its Knockout Cup for the 2008 season.

Evans blasted a century (101), admirably supported by Pearce with 60, as Boxted (238 for six) cruised past opponents Elmstead (168) by 70 runs.

Elsewhere in the preliminary round, first division Colchester (303 for four) proved far too powerful for second division vistors Little Baddow (126), Adam Kuss and Omar Ahmed hitting 83 and Geoff Ponting 50 in a 176-run win.

Undefeated and in form, Great Bromley (205 for six) proved far too strong for Bocking (80), Jason Reed 85, L Perrin 44 not out and Richard Lawson 42 all scoring heavily in a 125-run win.

Jack Kneeshaw struck 58 as Cavaliers (187 for six) saw-off Copford (183) by four wickets in a surprise result.

Andy Burbridge, with bowling figures of four for 16, was the hero as Great Bentley (76 without loss) beat Cressing (75) by ten wickets.

But poor old Tendring (127), knocked out at the preliminary stage last season, went down to Little Bardfield, preliminary round winners last year, by 48 runs.

Will Blackwell was Coggeshall's hero in a two-wicket premier division triumph over Mistley.

Blackwell hit 57 in Coggeshall's 123 for eight total, replying to Mistley's 118.

Wivenhoe (224 for nine) got their premier division season under way with a 77-run success at Witham (147 for nine).

Colin Kelly hit 70 and Matt Durrell 55 in Wivenhoe's total, while Suett remained 94 not out for the mid-Essex side.

Lorrie Austin continues to mature with age, like a good wine.

Austin stood defiant with a half-century as all round him folded like a pack of cards in a miserable team score of only 99 before Coggeshall (103 for four) raced to success by six wickets.

Colchester actually lost their first three wickets for only two runs.

Halstead's new Indian overseas star Amit Gupta lost no time in making his mark in division one.

Gupta top scored with 63, backed up by Mark Johnson with 57 not out, as Halstead (201 for five) beat Abberton (200 for nine) by five wickets, despite a knock of 55 from Ryan Savill.

Danny Harness was another batsman in good form as West Mersea (119 for two) crushed Galleywood (118) by eight wickets.

Harness top scored with 70 not out.

There was a century (105) for Harrington as Stebbing (158) squeezed past fifth division rivals Ardleigh (151) by seven runs.