BERKS County endured a tough start to their Thames Valley League Premier Division campaign, going down 4-1 to Marlow United last Wednesday before picking up a point from a 1-1 draw at Cookham Dean on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

The Swords took the lead at Marlow courtesy of a Tom Williams strike, but a hat-trick from Chris Hurst – including two penalties – and a goal from Liam Bushay, ensured a comfortable victory.

Nathan Lishman put Cookham 1-0 ahead at the break, but County picked up their first point thanks to Ebenezer Opoku-Ware’s second-half effort.

Lishman had also netted against Wokingham & Emmbrook Reserves in a 4-1 win.

Jack Alder, Ian Henry and Jow Newman were also on target for the hosts, with Leigh Mason bagging the consolation for Sumas.

A Ben White double and goals from Paolo Cicero, Gary Ashton and Dean Papali helped Wraysbury Village make it two wins from two with a 5-0 drubbing of Richings Park, who then suffered a third straight reverse when losing 1-0 to reigning champions Reading YMCA. The prolific Ryan Adams netted for the Young Men.

A Dominic McKenzie double and a Ryan Farmer effort earned Burghfield FC a 3-3 draw at home to Wrightchoice & Unity CSA, with the latter then thumping Woodley United Royals 8-0.

George Bullion scored for Westwood United, but they lost their season-opener 2-1 at Mortimer, with Joe Webb netting for the hosts.

Westwood then drew 1-1 at Burghfield – Mckenzie continuing his excellent early-season form with the hosts goal.

Meanwhile, Mortimer played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Woodcote Stoke Row.

Lee Vincent, Paul Taplin and substitute Craig Haylett were on the scoresheet for Mortimer, while Johnny Adey and a Frank Dillon double earned a point for the visitors.

WSR player-manager Sam Tucker said: “It was a high-tempo game and I felt we had the better of the open play, but it was frustrating to concede three goals from set-pieces.”

Division One and Two get underway on Saturday.