CRADLEY star Matt Williamson was delighted to get his 2015 off to a perfect start against Birmingham last week.

Williamson was one of only three members of the all-conquering 2014 side retained by the Heathens as they prepare for their National League title defence.

The late motocross convert is set for a big year as he lines up as third heat-leader behind Max Clegg and Nathan Greaves.

Williamson, 22, knows he has a big role to play in the engine room of the Heathens side, but after working hard over the winter he is confident he can enjoy another successful year.

He was in flying form as the Heathens kicked off their campaign with a crushing 63-27 win over co-tenants Birmingham at Perry Barr last Wednesday.

The fast-starting Williamson notched 12 points in his first competitive outing at the Aldridge Road venue, earning a well-deserved heat 15 appearance.

And he was thrilled to find some form early in the campaign as he continues to make up for lost time having only begun his speedway career in 2013.

He said: "I was really happy with how the first meeting went because we've worked really hard over the winter.

"I was pretty nervous going into it because I was desperate to do well and see it had all paid off which it did, so it was a brilliant start.

"I was making good starts and felt quick all night, it was a great way to get my season started and to get the nod in heat 15 from Will (Pottinger) was the icing on the cake for me really.

"I think I've only really had one heat 15 before, so to get heat 15 in my first meeting as a heat-leader was really good.

"My first impressions of Perry Barr are good, I've felt comfortable around there and was pretty quick on Wednesday so things are looking positive.

It's a challenge, learning a new home track after moving from Monmore but I feel pretty good already and I should only get better around there.

"Obviously I'm still fairly inexperienced and new to the sport, but I just want to carry on progressing and moving up the team this season.

"It's nice to have a number three on my back and have a bit more responsibility this year as a heat-leader, and I'm desperate to make it another good year.

"I want to keep improving all the time like I have done since I started with speedway, so hopefully I can do that and 2015 can be a successful season."

Cradley launch their home National League programme against local rivals Coventry at Perry Barr on Wednesday, April 8.