FOUR wickets from skipper Pete Lavis could not prevent Stone from falling to an opening day defeat.

It was the batting that let them down as they failed to reach three figures and, despite Lavis’ best efforts with the ball, Woodmancote comfortably crossed the finishing line.

Miles Palmer top scored with 19 after Stone were put in to bat with Sri Lankan Sudashan John ripping through them, taking 6-19.

Stone’s bowlers were left with an uphill task but got off to a good start, reducing the hosts to 10-2 as Lavis and Trev Burley picked up a wicket apiece in quick succession.

Harry Goldsmith led the recovery with 31 before three wickets fell for just five runs to reduce the hosts to 71-5 and give Stone a glimmer of hope.

All the victims were bowled by Lavis, who finished with impressive figures of 4-21 off 13 overs.

However, Stuart Brotherton (19*) and Henry Madders (25*) guided Woodmancote over the line.