TATTENHALL laid down a huge marker for the new Division Two season with a crushing nine-wicket home win over Timperley on Saturday.

A stunning debut from Craig Williamson (9-65) and a huge second wicket stand of 165 propelled the hosts to victory.

The sun-drenched Flacca looked a picture as new captain Roy Sandford lost the toss and Timperley elected to bat first.

Williamson took his maiden Tattenhall wicket with the score on 42, but an 84-run partnership put Timperley in a great position at the 35-over mark. Then Williamson turned the game on its head, with the score going from 127-1 to 127-5.

The visitors’ lower order had no answer to Williamson, who finished with nine wickets as Timperley were all out for 172.

Tattenhall’s reply was built around a dominant second-wicket stand between John Hope (78no) and Barry Mitchell (87no) as they reached 173-1.

Tattenhall 2nds also got their season off to a perfect start, winning at Heaton Mersey 2nds.

Tattenhall openers Paul Ferriday (49) and Anthony Rouse (59) put on 103 for the first wicket but wickets started to fall and the visitors were all out for 194. Heaton Mersey required just 3.8 an over but, once their openers were removed, they crumbled and were all out for 100.

Before the game, a minute’s silence was held for Graham Davidson, a stalwart of Tattenhall CC who died recently.