Brandon Williams grabbed his chance in spectacular style as Ditching made a stunning start to the new season.

Fast bowler Williams celebrated his promotion from the seconds with an eight-wicket haul as Ditchling won away to champions Iden.

The champions seemed to be flying with opener Michael White (102) and brother David (60) at the crease with only one wicket down but Williams sparked a collapse to finish with 8-87 as Iden were all out for 242.

There was still work to do but skipper Jon Atkinson (88) and Guy Walsh (83) helped them reach their target with four wickets to spare.

Atkinson said: “Brandon played for the seconds last year. We have promoted him this season and it seemed to work quite well. He is a big, fast bowler and he bowled brilliantly.”

Atkinson is hoping Ditchling can continue the good start.

He said: “It is great to start with a win, especially against Iden. I don’t think we will win the league but we would like to be pushing towards the top.

“We had a terrible start last year but then came good towards the end. It will be a competitive league and we have just got to make sure we get enough wins.”

Barcombe began with an emphatic win away to Willingdon who were bowled out for 92 with Will Marler claiming 6-27. Matt Lloyd (60 not out) led the chase as the visitors reached their target in 23.1 overs.

Crowhurst Park began their title challenge with a six-wicket win at home to Ringmer who were bowled out for 153 with Richard Coleman taking 5-37 and skipper Paul Brookes 4-37. Captain Glyn Crees (45) top-scored for Ringmer.

The hosts were tottering at 16-2 in reply but Martin Barry took up the mantle, cracking an unbeaten 85 to lead them to victory.

Rottingdean enjoyed a seven-wicket win at Battle who were bowled out for 192 with George Ledden taking 5-41 and Alex Potter 2-29. Henry Ledden (71) and James Grantham (68) led the reply as the visitors cruised to victory.

South African opener Kyle Abrahams hit a century to help Rye to victory at Heathfield Park.

The hosts set 225-4 with Terry Penfold scoring 70 and Andy Samuel hitting a quickfire 56 not out on his league debut for the club.

Youngster James Briggs (3-59) ensured Rye did not get off to an easy start but Abrahams (116) and Mark Cook (60) led them to a six-wicket win which was secured in the penultimate over after Ian Cox (3-11) caused a few hearts to flutter.

In division two, relegated Fletching had a comfortable eight-wicket win away to Polegate and Stone Cross who were rolled over for 89 with Tom Crook taking 3-2. Dan Saunders (35 not out) and Terry Lucas (24 not out) led the reply as Fletching reached their target for the lost of just two wickets.

Buxted Park set 211 all out at home to Tunbridge Wells Borderers with Nathan Miller scoring 52, Ben Ferns 43 and Lloyd Burgess 32. Bryan Huxley then claimed six wickets and Craig Olive three as Borderers were dismissed for 140.

Eastbourne III also claimed maximum points from an eight-wicket win at home to St Peters who set 172 all out with Alex Coomber and skipper Neil Matthews hitting 49 apiece as debutant Lewis Wynne took 5-36.

The target posed few problems for the hosts as Suraj Mahmood (84) and Russ Varney (54 not out) led them to victory.

Newick captain Cameron Jones was left stranded on 97 not out as his side claimed an emphatic nine-wicket win at home to Newhaven.

Nick Young hit 53 and Graham Godfrey 42 as the visitors made 192-9, Rupert Thacker taking 4-52 from 19 overs. Jones and Chris Murphy (62 not out) led the run chase.

John Plumley (34) and Nick Lewis (25) helped Pevensey set 172 all out away to Hailsham who were dismissed for 97 in reply with Martin Hole taking 4-21 and two wickets apiece for Rob Adams and Bill Filby.