Willoughby 2nds Vs Bugbrooke 1sts & 3rds

It was another day to forget for the 2nd's but on this occasion it wasn't their own undoing who can't seem to get the rub of the green this season. They traveled to Bugbrooke who were in poor form and have been struggling for a few years for a bit of quality in the batting department. It wasn't the case on this gloomy Saturday.

It was an under strength 2nd's but there was plenty of bowling options on offer and the skipper had no hesitation to stick them in and skittle them for a low score with poor weather around. Ryan Lines and Fergus Deery made light work of the top order as expected and they were reeling at 7 for 4 off 8 overs. Mattewman (40) quite probably could have been out every single delivery and took poor Fergus out of the attack with a 4 over salvo before perishing to a top edge. After another 3rd Xl member came and went Harding was joined by Garrard at his stipulated 8 position after being dropped 2 teams and 7 leagues to have special dispensation to play in the game. Both were rusty to begin with as what can only be described as one of the worst pitches I've every played on. Poor James Andrews saw ball shoot past his ankles, the next delivery lifted and hit him square on the forehead. They both batted sensibly for the next 15 overs taking the score from the 50's to well over 100 before a ball popped and Garrard was dismissed. Harding at the other end got into his groove and past his 50 effortlessly and needed 13 off the final over for a century. He fell short on a fine 87, hard to think his top score was only 29 prior to the game. Bugbrooke finished on 180 for 9. Ryan Lines 3 for 30, Fergus Deery 2 for 32.

With batting a bit light 180 was a good score on a pitch that, seamed, kept low and popped up all at the same time. Willoughby struggled and were undone by the pitch more than anything, 3 of the top 5 played on and one popped up to cover. Most of the top order looked fine and produced a double figure score but it was hard going at the best of times. At times it looked like there could have been some kind of counter attack but you honestly didn't want to get your head under and block a ball from Garrard which could have popped at any time and took your front teeth out. James Andrews at 5 showed some stability and produced 31 but Willoughby were eventually bowled out for 116.

Unfortunately another day where the team faced off against the opposition in a favorable position with team selections and availability but it's now or never for a comeback to even think about promotion.