Willoughby VS Northampton Saints

We arrived at Northampton Saints in good spirit and inspected the pitch which is known as a " Road ", Skipper Ben Hollis won the toss YES WON and elected to bat first. Things got off to a sticky start with Chait Kurusala being dismissed for a duck third ball of the game LBW. Callum Hanks was joined by Ashley Rayner who kept things ticking alone nicely and making full use of the small out field. Hanks kept his wicket and played great cricket before finally being bowled for 46. Bonthuys and Cluley came and went both with low scores, young Ambrose Deery got a gaffer by their spinner and was removed for a duck. Hollis joined Rayner who looked comfortable as ever and got the runs going in the 32nd over, punishing saints bowler Bates for some big shots and scoring 17 in the over. Rayner was also finding the boundary's and the runs were flowing at both ends, Hollis made a quick 41 which was needed coming to the end of the innings including 5 sixes. Rayner was out for a superb 84 LBW, Matt Goss 12 *and Mark Fell 19* added a few runs at the end to bring Willoughby back in for tea for 245-8 off 45.

Willoughby took to the field knowing only half of the job was done, defending a par score on a "road " and a small ground was always going to be tough. Fell and Hanks opened the bowling and started well, saints batsmen Hussain and Bates looked un settled and both rode there luck. Hanks picked up his first wicket after Hussain edged behind and walked himself. This Brought father of Jack Bates to the crease, they put together a excellent partnership and started to take the game away from Willoughby. Kurusala and Alex Hislop was brought into the attack and kept creating chances but nothing we could celebrate for. Stuart Bonthuys was given the ball the slow the run rate and peg them back, Saints batsmen didn't expect his pace and was shaken, Jack finally made a big mistake and ran himself out on 90 which his dads face said it all. This brought a massive confidence boost to the lads and the energy was boosted. Hanks was brought back on and removed there number 4 for a duck. L Shelton their number 5 came in a scored a quick 43 which took it down to less than a run a ball, Shelton did enough damage and and finish line was in sight before being caught on the boundary by Bonthuys. Needed 2 to win off 12 balls and Saints got over the line with 8 balls to spare. 247-3 M bates finishing on 82*.

The best game of cricket so far this season and a tough one to take coming off on the loosing side. Willoughby didn't do to much wrong batted well, Fielded well and bowled great it just wasn't meant to be on the day. A few things didn't go out way but I'm sure the bit of luck we need will change in our direction soon. Another great team performance and plenty of positives to take for the rest of the season.

Next weekend we welcome Thrapston to the Green.