Willoughby Cricket Club emerged victorious in emphatic fashion against Finedon Dolben 3rds on home soil, thanks largely to a blistering and unforgettable batting display from Matt Cartridge, who carved out an unbeaten 137 in a masterclass of timing, power, and composure*.

Having won the toss and electing to bowl, WCC got off to a strong start with opening bowlers Mark and Ryan applying early pressure. Their probing lines saw edges fly to third man but little else get past the disciplined field. The pair struck early to set the tone, and they were well backed by Stu, who came into the attack and picked up two important wickets, keeping the pressure firmly on the visiting side.

But the real stranglehold came from Dave Alcock, whose tidy spell of 7 overs, 1 maiden, 25 runs, and 2 wickets earned him Bowler of the Day. His control of length and ability to keep the scoreboard quiet allowed Willoughby to tighten the noose. In the field, Noah Eyles stood out for his sharp work and energy, earning Fielder of the Day honours.

Finedon Dolben were restricted to a modest total—one that felt below par on such a quick outfield, thanks to tight bowling and a unified fielding effort from the hosts.

Then came the chase.

Early jitters saw Willoughby lose two quick wickets in succession, creating a brief moment of tension. But any hopes of a Finedon Dolben upset were quickly extinguished by the arrival of Matt Cartridge, who strode to the crease with quiet confidence and proceeded to light up the ground with one of the finest innings the club has seen in recent memory.

Launching a relentless assault on the bowlers, Cartridge mixed power with placement, peppering the boundary with authority and class. Accompanied by steady strike rotation from Ceri and Stu, he was given the platform to build—and he capitalised in spectacular style. The ball disappeared to all corners of the ground, and by the time the dust settled, Cartridge had blasted his way to an unbeaten 137, securing his maiden first-team century and well beyond. Balls are, quite literally, still being located.

Willoughby CC chased the target down comfortably, with Cartridge’s heroics making any resistance irrelevant. He was, without question, Player and Batsman of the Match.

A couple of side notes from the day—Ben earned Donkey of the Day for forgetting the props, while no ducks were handed out, a rare feat.

Final Result:

Willoughby CC win by dominance, powered by Matt Cartridge’s outrageous 137.*

A day to remember.

Next up we travel to Raunds Town looking to make it 2 from 2 early season