1sts fall to Marston defeat in Premier Division opener

Willoughby 1st XI started their new life in the SNCl top division on Saturday against a Marston St Lawrence side which finished high up in the league the previous year. Although the weather gods were favourable on Saturday and gave us a nice sunny day, the same could not be said for what they did on the previous 3 days. The Wednesday night game was called off after an afternoon of heavy downpours. Massive thanks goes to Fergus , our groundsman, who managed to get a wicket prepared.

After losing the crucial toss, Willoughby were asked to bat first on a soft and slightly damp track, causing timing of shots to be e trembly difficult. Couple with a decent opening pace attack, Willoughby , although keeping wickets in hand struggled to score freely. Ian Andrews caught the mega travel to game curse and was out early for the seasons first duck of the season. Bingo and Ash batted through the opening spell picking up a mixture of extras and singles to keep the scoreboard ticking. After Bingo fell, Dave came in and immediately increased the scoring rate until he forgot the football season was almost over and tried to head the Cricket ball ! Needless to say a trip to Hospital ensued. Keith and Stuart came and went before Richard’s cautious approach to batting quickly resulted in a boundary and a 2 ball. After hitting the ball to a fielder and calling for a run, then no, then run, then no go back, he was run out. Wickets tumbled regularly eventually resulting in. Modest 82 total being posted. Ash top scored with 28 runs.

As the wicket dried , batting seemed to become slightly easier. An opening spell from the skipper Ben and Rich didn’t have the desired effect and a change was quickly called for. Sean ‘Caramel Cup’ Thornton came on to bowl with Ash taking over from Ben. Caramel got through the defence of their young opener and bowled him for 24. The next over Ash bowled the other opener for 15. Sadly that was the end of Willoughby’s success with the ball, Sean finishing with 5 overs , 1 for 18, Ash finished with 7 over, 2 maidens, 1 for 11.

Marston deserved the win but Willoughby now know the standard of top division sides. Defeat for Willoughby but they were by no means disgraced against a side who will once again be challenging at the top of the Premier Division this season.

A thank you to Marston who played the game in the right spirits with a bit of fun during play. Best part of the day was undoubtedly Dave coming back from hospital without serious injury, although he tells us that he will now be wearing the new helmet he bought for this year from now on.

A big thank you also to groundsman Fergus who with some sterling work managed to get a wicket prepared after all the trials and tribulations of the weather over the last week or so and before.

Thanks Ashley Rayner and Graham Hallam for the help and support on the field so far.