2nds maintain unbeaten stint with narrow success over Haddon 3rds

Willoughby’s second string also made it four games unbeaten although they were pushed all the way in an entertaining four run win over Haddon IIIs at The Green.

Batting first, the hosts lost openers James Goodwin second ball and then Matt Cartridge to be reduced early on to 16 for 2, however Martin Nichols and Justin Hanks renewed their partnership of the previous week to initially steer them out of any further trouble. Hanks made 67 and with Matt Goss adding 24 were the top scorers in Willoughby’s total of 162 for 9 off their 40 overs. Jonathan Gibson took 4 for 28 and Adam Parton 2 for 27 for the visitors.

The home side’s total looked slightly below par on the surface and in reply Haddon looked to be on course for victory reaching 100 for the loss of only two wickets. However their runs dried up mid-innings after the loss of opener David Browne for his side’s eventual top score of 22 yet the game ebbed and flowed with Willoughby taking wickets but with Haddon edging towards the total. it brought an exciting finish with 23 required off the last two overs and 12 off the last but despite the efforts of Gibson (26 not out) and Neil Balliston (21 not out), the visitors fell short by four runs, closing on 158 for 7.

Willoughby’s bowling saw Hanks finish with 4 for 26 with a wicket apiece for father and son Fergus and Michael Deery (1 for 22 and 1 for 23 respectively).