Willoughby 2nds Vs Old Northamptonians

And so we were here, the final league game of the season against Old Northamptonians. It was quite a boisterous changing room prior knowing that 3 points was enough to secure promotion. There was plenty of poking at the soft wicket before the game when in the distance 2 figures the size of ants approached, you had to squint your eyes that much to see them that far in the distance. It was Archie McMillan and Rees Moor who were dropped off at ON's first team pitch.

After a loss of the toss Willoughby were stuck into field which suited us as it gave us the chance to secure those 3 points early. Just a stones throw down the hill Bold and Phoenix were battling it out which had ramifications on our position for the cup draw. Steve Porter tuned into the NCL website safely hidden under the porch of the pavilion trying the find the split screen option of watching both the Willoughby and Bold fixture simultaneously.

Things started off splendid, Ryan Lines (2-16) with 2 early wickets to his name. Rees Moor on the other hand struggled as was replaced with Archie McMillan (1-14) in the 7th over. D Heathfield (27) was the mainstay of the innings as ON's reached 60 for 3 off the first 20 overs. Jimmy Andrews was enjoying himself behind the stumps, Ben Foakes had the privilege of meeting him at the test the day prior and was showing off his keeping skills as Fergus Deery was brought on to make inroads. He finished with 5 for 16 as the middle order couldn't help themselves in trying to launch most deliveries. Some smart catches for Moor, Satsangi, Porter and Thornton!? after the 6th attempt. ON's capitulated to 86 all out.

After having to endure the misery of listening to the last 15 minutes of Man Utds shock 1-0 win against Southampton the usual partnership of Anshul Satsangi and Sean Thornton struggled with the loopy pace and bounce. Sean, still managing to hit a six despite looking like he hadn't picked up a bat for quite some time. Thornton managed 17 and Martyn Norman (20*) saw the team home with Satsangi (27*) to a 9 wicket win in 15 overs.

After confirmation of a 2nd place spot and promotion it was back to The Green and on towards the cup competition. Heading into September selection will now be difficult with folk heading back to university.