Willoughby 2nds vs Barton Seagrave 2nds

The 2nds travelled the distance to the familiar setting of Barton Seagrave where the triumphant victory over Kettering in the quarter final took place. Today was a cold and wet affair with a bitter wind in the air. Skipper Ryan Perry lost the toss and were asked to bat on a wet wicket which had been prepared that morning due to the weather.

The opening duo of Matt Cartridge and Ian Andrews negotiated the opening spell well picking off the bad balls and running quick singles to put the home team under early pressure. Through to the 20th over with 120 on the board the 2nds were looking at a big score, Cartridge reaching his 50, various bowling changes ensued to break the partnership. This eventually came in the 27th over with a excellent opening stand of 156. Cartridge dismissed LBW for a fine 83. Martin Nichols didn't hang around and pushed the score to 194 when Andrews departed for 63. That was the last wicket taken as young Ambrose Deery 33* and Nichols 49* took the score to 254 for 2 off the 40 overs. Some fine stroke play.

Ress Moor (2 for 12) and Fergus Deery (1 for 23) set about defending the big total and within the 1st 13 overs had pegged back Barton Seagrave to 27 for 3. Nirmay Patel (2 for 26) and John Gregson (1 for 35) combined in the middle overs as the home team reached 103 for 6 off 26 overs. Martin Nichols (2 for 9) bowled with precise accuracy to bring Willoughby within reach of victory, Matt Goss (1 for 4) taking the final wicket as Barton Seagrave were bowled out for 128 off 36 overs. Ward top scoring with 33.