Willoughby 2nds Vs Carrib Utd 2nds

The 2nds finished off their league campaign with a disappointing loss to top of the table Carrib. Having won the toss the pitch and outfield looked in good condition for a bat.

Unfortunately inform Sean Thornton was late to open so it was left to the father/son pair of Ian and James Andrews to start proceedings. They found the opening bowling spells difficult to negotiate with some excellent swing and seam. The wicket was true and outfield lightning quick and we didn't capitalise in the first 20 overs. After 16 overs with only 42 on the board Sean Thornton provided the impetus and after 25 overs he departed for a lusty 32 with the score on 91 for 2. James Andrews followed soon after for 19. With the scoring rate and wickets in hand it was up to the middle order to throw the bat and try and get as close to 200 as possible. Matt Sutton was the main anchor providing a energetic 33 before being bowled by Pemberton - who finished with figures of 4 - 39. The 2nds did find themselves on 154 for 9 off the allotted 40 overs. Way below par on a good surface and quick outfield.

After tea Saad Anjum was possibly the best battsman by a mile we have faced this season, he effortlessly went to 50 in the first 10 overs. After a bowling change a excellent spell of swing bowling from Matt Sutton claimed the wickets of both the openers Zia for 24 and Anjum for 52. Fergus Deery also on with a change claimed 3 wickets of the dangerous middle order of Carrib, leaving them 94 for 6 off 19 overs. With the team back in the game Cedric Miller 21* formerly of MK Afro Caribbean and Pemberton 32* negotiated the next 12 overs to guide their team home with some swift ball hitting at times. Matt Sutton with figures of 3 - 18 off 10 and Fergus Deery 3 for 29 off 7.

A disappointing end to the league campaign but the team looks forward to the cup fixtures.