Chester Boughton Hall skipper Lee Dixon hailed the match-winning contribution of young spinner Jack Williams, who claimed a hat-trick in Saturday’s win over Bramhall.
Williams ended with figures of 5-68 as Chester got their County League Premier Division season up and running with a seven-wicket victory at Filkins Lane.
“It’s a long old season and we’re just pleased to get the win,” said Dixon. “It was a great effort from Jack, of course, and I thought we stuck to our task well at the end to see things through.”
Dixon gave league debuts to Ash Davis, Rick Moore and Alex Money.
After winning the toss on a wicket that looked more like you would find in August than April, Bramhall had no hesitation in taking first use – and they got off to flyer.
They raced to 45 after just five overs with ex-Pakistan Test player Atiq-uz-Zaman’s blistering start leading to Williams’ introduction in just the sixth over.
But it was the returning Ian Linwood who got the breakthrough with the score on 45. Williams then removed the powerful Atiq with the first of two fine catches from the skipper.
Williams’ second wicket saw Dan Lamb dismissed for a fine 56 and then came his match-turning moment as he removed three in three balls, including a fine effort from Dixon to trump his earlier catch.
From 160-6, Bramhall rallied to finish on what looked to be an under-par 243-9, with Nick Cantello unbeaten on 43 and Rupert Kitzinger adding 35.
Chester’s reply saw the top order get in but fail to fully cash in as Mark Rowland succumbed for 46, Warren Goodwin 42 and Lee Dixon 38. And from the comfortable position of 135-2, things suddenly seemed trickier at 173-5.
But then Ross Dixon stepped up to the plate. A patient innings saw him ease his side to victory with a well-crafted, patient and unbeaten 47, well-supported by Harry Killoran (25).
Chester got home to 246-7 with seven balls left despite Simon Wilkinson’s 5-75.
Elsewhere in the County League, Oulton Park beat Christleton by five wickets at Little Budworth in Division One. Guy Emmett took 5-19 and debutant Iroshan De Silva 5-34, against his old club. Alistair Marks clipped a neat 67 for the beaten visitors.
Tattenhall were too strong for relegated Oxton at the Flacca, winning by six wickets with new skipper Olly Thompson’s 97 leading the way.
