Rayner century helps Sunday XI to success at Napton

Club Friendly
Napton v Willoughby

Napton 222 for 5
Willoughby 223 for 3

Willoughby won by 7 wickets

A century from Willoughby’s Ashley Rayner went some way to ensuring there was better news for the club on Sunday as they enjoyed a useful success away at Napton.

Despite the fixture between the two clubs stretching back over several decades, it was the visitor’s first visit to Napton’s ‘new’ excellent Priors Marston Road ground and facilities on a warm afternoon when play was dominated by both side’s batsmen.

Having won the toss, Napton chose to bat first and were in early trouble being reduced to 28 for 3; Callum Hanks taking two wickets with one coming by virtue of sharp catch by Rayner in the slips. However from there the host’s batting largely dominated as Willoughby toiled in the increasing heat. Graham Line made 45 but it was Tom Hancock with a fine unbeaten 123 who took the plaudits, his knock containing 15 boundaries and five maximums. Mike Eadon’s unbeaten 24 towards the close took the hosts to 223 for 3 off their 40 overs. Kishan Parmar and Karl Quinney returning identical figures of 1 for 17.

In reply, Rayner and Sean Thornton gave Willoughby the ideal platform for their run chase by putting on 120 for the first wicket. Thornton was first to fall for 43, but youngster Rees Moor carried that momentum until he departed having looked comfortable going into double figures. That brought Dave Alcock to the crease and with Rayner the pair worked their way to put on a further 66 for the third wicket and guide the visitors within touching distance of victory.

Alcock departed just in sight of a deserved half-ton for 44 which included eight 4s, but Rayner still remained and deservedly reached his century which included 15 boundaries; the last of which a trademark straight drive down the ground ended the match with Willoughby winning with seven wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare.