Willoughby 2nds Vs Old 3rds

Into the business end of the season and the 2nd's travelled to Old (actually Walgrave) for a hotly anticipated fixture. Old got the better of us early on in the season thanks to the skipper Watson tonking a quick 60 odd off not many deliveries so the team knew that he was a key wicket opening the batting. That would mean that the returning skipper called heads and a tail shone towards the forehead of Steve Porter hiding under a trio of acorn trees wrapped in a woollen jumper whilst the entire team were basking in the sun.

Things didn't get off to a great start, Lines had Watson caught at slip in the opening discharge of artillery and the chance was put down. An opening partnership of 129 saw Old take a huge advantage and it wasn't until Sutton broke the deadlock in the 24th over as Johnson talked himself into an aggressive shot for a well crafted 34. Watson at the other end was aggressive and despite riding his luck batted well and was eventually caught from Aiden Porter on 95 for what would have been a deserved ton. Reg took another wicket and at 184 for 3 Old could have progressed their total to a formidable chase. Jimmy Andrews with 4 stumpings tried his best to claim his 5th, the most blatant stumping, it was clear as day that he made his ground! In the end they had nothing to note after the top 4 and Martin Nichols mopped up the tail (which started at no.5) and claimed 6 for 31 off 6 overs as Old capitulated to 210 for 9. Sutton with 1 for 28 off 10 overs was an excellent effort. Porter 2 for 32 and Nichols 6 for 31!

What I failed to mention is that the outfield was like a minefield, the slope from one end to the the other was on a par with Lords but with a few craters the size of a new Bellawy Homes back garden. The artificial wicket was like a road so 210 was more like 110 which put a very poor fielding display into context.

The mid to late season opening duo of Sean Thornton and Anshul Satsangi tucked into a late supper as there was no movement apart from some swing here and there. Well versed on an artificial wicket 171 was the opening partnership within 26 overs as the dodgy outfield and short boundaries helped the run rate. Thornton the first to depart for 85, including 4 6's. A excellent innings as Sean was suffering the entire day. Not without it's moments, dropped in his 40's at deep ish gully. It was a day where if you throw the kitchen sink you got full value for your efforts on an outfield that resembled no mans land. Satsangi playing the support role got into his groove as Old had 4 excellent bowlers on another day playing on grass would have caused all sorts of issues. He passed 50 and took full advantage and was also dropped at gully in his 90's, but despite that kept his cool and finished 108 not out as the team chased down 210 in 33 overs with only 2 wickets