Hinton-in-the Hedges v Willoughby

Willoughby (167 for 6 – 20 pts) beat Hinton in the Hedges (134 all out – 5 pts) by 33 runs

Willoughby: Jonny Comiskey 93 N.O., Tom Hill 22, Stuart Hall 19, Andy Stevens 3-34, Paul White 3-39

Hinton in the Hedges: Steven Cone 32, William Peel-Yates 29, Karl Quinney 5-38, Tom Hill 3-19

There was also promotion issues at stake in South Northamptonshire as Willoughby completed their 2009 SNCL programme in fine fashion and set the nerves jangling amongst the local contingent near Brackley.

The pressure this time was on hosts Hinton-in-the-Hedges as a win for them would see elevation to the Premier Division. However Willoughby temporarily spoiled the promotion party with a fine win from an excellent all-round performance.

With on paper a slightly weakened side assembled, the visitors won the toss, decided to bat on a good looking pitch and fast outfield, and set a useful target largely thanks to the efforts of Jonny Cumiskey. The opener epitomised his fine form from the season, dominating the bowling from the opening over, to make a superb 93 not out. Fine placement and some excellent trademark aggressive running ensured Cumiskey batted through the innings - albeit falling short of a deserved ton, and with contributions from Tom Hill 22 and skipper Stuart Hall late on saw the visitors post a handy 167 for 6. Andy Stevens and Paul White both taking three wickets apiece for the workmanlike home side.

In reply, the focussed Hinton openers found the Willoughby attack a tough proposition. Aided by some equally tight fielding, Tom Hill and John Gregson kept the home side at bay and struck early blows, initially reducing Hinton to 22 for 3. With anxiety creeping into the waiting and expectant home side ranks on the boundary, the nerves were then not helped by Karl Quinney taking out the top-to-middle order in an 11 over return of 5 for 38. A run out plus Hill taking the final wicket - to complete his return of 3 for 19, ensured a satisfactory if perhaps unexpected victory for the visitors by 33 runs. Steven Cone top scoring for Hinton with 32, backed by his skipper William Peel-Yates who made 29.

The win was Willoughby's fourth in succession to end an ultimately useful season and fourth spot for the 1st XI; yet despite their defeat Hinton gained promotion with a result elsewhere going their way, ensuring everyone came away with success of sorts.