Local derby Cup Final this weekend for Willoughby 2nds after semi-final victory over Dunchurch and Bilton

Northamptonshire Cricket League Division 11 KO Cup Semi-Final

Willoughby IIs v Dunchurch and Bilton IIs

Dunchurch and Bilton II 104 all out (36 overs)
Willoughby IIs 105 for 3 (31.1 overs)

Willoughby II won by 7 wickets

Willoughby progressed to a home Final in the NCL’s Division 11 KO Cup thanks to a comfortable seven wicket success over neighbouring visitors Dunchurch and Bilton.

The home side won the toss and inserted D & B who lost opener Ayyasamay early on to Rees Moor to set the pattern for the home side’s control on proceedings. James Green in at three mde 21 but was run out ahead of Gareth Ellis and Matt Hipkiss chipping in with 17 and 15. However they feel to the bowling of John Gregson and Dave Alcock respectively, the spin duo going the middle to latter order taking a total of seven wickets for 32 runs inside 15 overs; Gregson taking 4 for 19 and Gregson 3 for 13 as D & B were bowled out for a modest 104.

Willoughby’s reply suffered the early casualty of James Goodwin for 4 but the combination of youth and experience in Matt Cartridge and Martin Nichols guided the hosts out of any potential further danger. Cartridge went for 32 and Nichols for 17 but 32 from Matt Goss aided by Michael Deery nudging into double figures saw Willoughby home by seven wickets with over eight overs in hand.

The victory now means a local derby Final encounter with another set of neighbours, this time from a mile just over the county border in the shape of Braunston Paddox 2nds who drawn out as the away side make the short trip to The Green this Saturday.