Skipper James Rodham saluted his Wycombe House young guns as they started the new season with a winning draw at Jersey Road on Saturday.

None more so than teenage prodigy Gurjit Sandhu, who returned brilliant figures of 4-17 as House reduced visitors Ickenham to 125-8, well short of their required target.

Batting first, House played all 56 overs available in their Middlesex County Cricket League Division Three opener and declared on 196-8.

That left Ickenham 44 overs to build 197 to win or 154 for a winning draw, but it was House's bowlers who took the plaudits.

Rodham said: "Sandhu broke into the first team last year at the age of 15 and did superbly.

"He's now put on a yard of pace and two feet in height, his potential is frightening!

"With the experienced guys like Ben Taylor and Jaysen Allen less and less available with family commitments, we are looking to young guys like Gurjit coming through.

"We have a very young side, with me one of the oldest at 25, and last year was a learning curve for us (House avoided relegation late on).

"This year, we're looking for mid-table consolidation, and once the pressure's off we'll be able to play better cricket."

Rodham (38) helped topscorer Brian Mayers (59) build a decent third-wicket stand after they lost their opener and third batsman cheaply.

Huw Taylor (20) and Jagg Mann (45) also built a good partnership, while Farham Tanoli was another star in attack alongside Sandhu, taking 4-31.

Rodham added: "It was a very pleasing start, considering most of our pre-season friendlies were wiped out due to bad weather."

* In Division Two, Teddington claimed a winning draw from their derby with Richmond.

Two years ago, the sides were four leagues apart, with former champions Richmond in the Premier and Twickenham in the Middlesex Championship Premier.

But Richmond's relegation last season, coupled with two successive promotions for Twickenham, brought them together.

Grant Hughes came close to a double ton with 176,and Carlos Nunes hit 70 as Twickenham declared on 329-5 from 50 overs.

Steve Price notched 60 and Paul Bail 53 as Richmond replied with 215-5 from their 50 overs, but it was only enough for one point, while their visitors took four.

In the Premier, Teddington took advantage of Eastcote's declaration on 252-9 after 68 overs to reach the required target for victory with 256-7 from 51.

Middlesex youngster Dawid Malan, who is taking time out from county cricket while he takes his university exams, took Eastcote apart with 4-40, then went on to smash 63 runs, while Nish Patel was unbeaten on 88.