WCC ended their Saturday fixtures on a typically unhappy note when our long-standing touring opponents of Hem Heath inflicted another defeat in [for a change] glorious end of season conditions at The Green.

After a week or three of non-activity due to the odd drop of rain, batting first on the artifical the visitors rakcked up a total of 256 for 3 off their 40 overs. Opener Lloyd making a fine 151 before being stumped late in the innings. Despite the visitors' total, the Willoughby attack bowled relatively well, without making a breakthrough for long periods (the first wicket falling to a run out with 130 on the board). A couple of half-chances early on proved costly, whilst late catching 'efforts' were not taken (or got anywhere near!). As a result, late big-hitting accelerated the run rate further.

After an extended tea break, the hosts were soon on the back foot, struggling at 18 for 2. Jonny Cumiskey however countered, making a typically well-crafted half century. However that was the only bright spot of a customary below-par WCC batting display. The innings petering out in the closing overs - despite late blows from Ashok Badial, with WCC all out for 152 (?)

Great to see the Hem Heath boys down again - see you next year fellas!

With Sunday's friendly at home to Heckley cancelled, it brought the curtain down on season 2008.

Time to re-build and come back strongly in 2009!