After defeats in their two warm-up matches against Southam and Leamington Khalsa (see club website for reports), Willoughby begin their 2011 South Northants Cricket League campaign’s this Saturday.
 
The shake-up of the promotion and relegation issues from last term promises to offer another interesting season for both the 1st XI in Division 1 and the 2nd XI – or Willoughby ‘A’, in Division 3.
 
The 1st XI begin the new term with a visit from Bodicote to the Green, who will be looking to bounce back to the Premier Division at the first time of asking. The prospect of another tight division is enhanced by Middleton Cheney and Northampton Grange Park making their debuts in Division 1 having worked their way through the lower divisions in recent years and no doubt will be keen to impress. Neighbours and local rivals Dunchurch & Bilton will provide stiff competition and two local derby clashes, with Preston Capes, old adversaries Stoneleigh, and the unpredictable Afro Caribean all making for a competitive line-up.
 
In Division 3, Willoughby ‘A’ travel to Gawcott & Hillesden for their opening encounter and in addition to Saturday’s opener can equally expect a tough examination from some well established sides and those making their way up the divisional ladder. Alongside the likes of the experienced Finmere, Croughton and Wardington outfits, newly promoted Charlton will be a particularly tough proposition, whilst the likes of Marston St Lawrence and Preston Capes’ second strings have made for good encounters in recent seasons.
 
 

South Northants Cricket League

 

 

Division 1

Division 3

 

 

Afro Caribean

Bodicote A

Bodicote

Charlton

Castlethorpe

Croughton

Dunchurch & Bilton

Finmere

Fenny Compton

Gawcott & Hillesdon

Middleton Cheney

Gayton

Northampton Grange Park

Marston St Lawrence

Preston Capes

Preston Capes A

Stoneleigh

Wardington

Willoughby

Willoughby A