Sunday’s friendly with visitors Crick Lions was another highly enjoyable occasion which saw the hosts close out a comfortable victory from a good all-round performance.
Fixtures in recent years with Crick have always been a highlight of the Sunday XI calendar given the spirit and manner they have been played in and this year’s renewal was no different with some excellent cricket and plenty of good natured banter; this week largely at the expense of the home side’s late arriving skipper.
In contrast to conditions at the end of play on Saturday, conditions at The Green were perfect which saw Willoughby bat first and recover from losing a wicket with the first ball of the match to set a useful target of 216 for 8. Ashley Rayner and James Andrews pushed the score along steadily thereafter until the latter and then James Goodwin both departed. Rayner retired on 50 not out to complete a century of runs for the weekend, which only saw Ceri Roberts up the tempo by also posting a half-ton in half as many balls. Mark Fell added an equally rapid 34 and both were ably supported by another Willoughby youngster Archie McMillan who crafted a fine 27 not out to take the hosts past 200.
In reply, Crick found runs hard to come by as all of Willoughby’s bowlers were in fine economical fettle backed by some equally enthusiastic fielding. McMillan led the way with 3 for 15, Goodwin took 2 for 4, Karl Quinney 2 for 5 and the equally-impressive Michael Deery taking 1 for 13. Prasad offered some late hitting in the latter few overs as Crick closed on 68 for 8.
Huge thank you to everyone at Crick Lions for their company and playing their part in another hugely enjoyable fixture; which epitomised everything what Sunday village cricket is all about.