An unbeaten knock from Mark Williams fired Churchtown Cricket Club to an opening day victory that had looked unlikely until the closing stages of an entertaining tie at The Rookery.

For two seasons Williams has played a bit part role in Churchtown’s squad, however on Saturday he delivered in style as three months worth of netting practice paid off in spectacular style.

With Churchtown floundering Williams hit a stylish 37 not out as the Eddie Bancroft’s side edged out a strong Bretherton side by just one wicket.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat. A firm and threadbare outfield led to an unforgiving surface for the fielders, whilst the strip itself offered little to both batsmen and bowlers.

Debutant David Foster (2-36) opened the bowling alongside skipper Eddie Bancroft (3-62) and hit the ground running with an excellent spell. He bowled smartly and was unlucky to see some simple catching chances were spilled.

Ryan Buck & John Southworth offered useful support, as Bretherton were restricted to 176 for 6 from their 50 overs.

Churchtown’s reply was rocked by two early dismissals, but Terry Wood (43) and Craig Budworth (26) dragged the home side off the canvas. Churchtown’s chances still looked slim however as Mark Williams came to the crease.

Williams, who had a previous best of just 11, smashed two sixes down the ground as he set up a thrilling finale. In the final ten overs all three results were a possibility and the visitors looked favourites as wicket tumbled.

At the other end Williams remained calm and nicked smart singles, with just one over remaining he helped to 177 with a leg glance and scrambled run sparking celebrations from a healthy home crowd. The twenty points sees Churchtown off to the perfect start ahead of a tricky trip to Dalton on Saturday.