WELSHPOOL opened their season with a high scoring draw at Sentinel IIs.

Niall Salisbury (117no) carried his bat and was joined by fellow opener Ralph Bishop (84) in guiding the hosts to a commanding 261-1 for Pool to chase.

Pete Ezard (2-35) claimed the key wicket of Dan Chodecki (33) in reply but Pool steadied the ship with captain Russell Cadwallader leading by example with a superb 102 before falling to Russell Morris (1-38).

It was left to Dan Pritchard (5no) and John Bills (0no) to form an unbroken fifth wicket stand to steer their side to 186-4 and a draw.