WALES began their County Championship campaign with a 29 points victory over Greater Manchester.

The home game took place at Broughton and Andy Delooze of Esclusham, playing at number three, had an excellent game. he led all the way through and triumphed 21-3.

Veteran Kevin Nicholas (Gresford Colliery) also played a tight game with few mishaps to win 21-8 win and reserve Kris Charlton (Abergele) beat his opponent 21-17.

There was to be no let-up in the Welsh camp as Robin Bennett (Cunliffe) stormed to a 21-7 victory and Lewis Scott (St Asaph) won 21-9.

The Cunliffe's Mike Riley sealed a 21-10 success with John Short (Beaumaris) winning 21-13 as Wales triumphed 202-176.

The away match was played at Aston where it was much closer.

Leighton Roberts (Esclusham) and John Bonatti (Llay) led off with 21-13 and 21-14 wins respectively, although Ian Dutton (Esclusham) and Richard Zolman (Llay) were not so fortunate.

Cunliffe trio Ian M Jones (21-11), Graham Rogers (21-16) and Andrew Hughes (21-16) also won as Wales edged the game 213-210 to triumph 415-386 overall.