Willoughby 2nds Vs Great Oakley 2nds

A scorching hot day at the Green saw a eagerly anticipated fixture between Willoughby 2nds and Great Oakley, both teams boasting a 100% win record. Skipper Ryan Perry won the toss and elected to bat, relief ensued from the players as they didn't have to field in the sun.

It started poorly as opener Ian Andrews could have dispatched a short wide delivery anywhere and got underneath the ball to balloon the ball up for a simple catch. Things got progressively better as Martin Nichols (51) and Matt Cartridge (50) put on a partnership of 119 for the 2nd wicket which lasted for 28 overs. Matt Cartridge again reaching 50 but not pushing on for a more substantial innings. A quick cameo from Ambrose Deery and another well crafted 50 for Martin Nichols saw Matt Goss (24*) and Archie McMillan (23) put on 36 for the 5th wicket. At 176 off 35 overs Goss lead the total up to 191 for 8.

After tea to opening duo of Archie McMillan (0 for 32) and Rees Moor (2 for 29) kept the opening battsmen at bay with with an opening spell of 16 overs. Moor picking up 2 wickets with 60 on the board. Skipper for the day Pratt negotiated the innings well keeping Great Oakley within reach of the total through the middle overs, the tandem bowling of stalwarts John Gregson (2 for 37) and Fregus Deery (1 for 33). 2 big overs from Pratt reaching his 50 and taking Great Oakley into the 110's forced a bowling change with the death bowling of Matt Cartridge and McMillian back into the fray to summon a wicket. With 10 overs to go Pratt wasn't comfortable in rotating the strike with his partner and as the field was spread boundaries came hard to come by. Into the 160's Pratt was immovable bearing down on his 100 only to be scuppered with 2 overs remaining leaving little hope of victory, Cartridge (1 for 21) picking up the wicket. Great Oakley finishing the innings 171 for 6.