Merchants too good for Midweek XI in Cup Semi Final

Willoughby won the toss and put the Ringers in to bat on a well used wicket at Rugby Cricket Club. They started slowly and reached 32 after 5 overs before opener Barry Taylor was bowled by Richard Foxon. Cockerin joined Owen Edwards in the middle and the two of them rode their luck, putting on 126 before Sean Thornton finally had Edwards caught on the long off boundary for 76. One more wicket fell as Matt Smart threw in sharply to have Cockerin run out on 56 thanks to a good take and swipe from Ben Hollis. But the Willoughby bowlers were unable to stem the tide of runs and The Merchants finished 187/3 from their 20 overs.
In reply Sean Thornton (26) started really well, smacking the opening bowler all over the park and after 5 overs we were up with the run rate but wickets began to fall regularly after he and Martin Nichols were bowled by Middleton. The Willoughby batsmen struggled to get in and the required run rate rose steadily. Only Sean and Captain Simon Nicholls (24) offered any real resistance and Willoughby finished well short on 124/8 from their 20 overs.
It was a fantastic achievement to reach the finals for a Div 3 side. We needed one of our bowlers and a couple of batsmen to fire to give us any real hope but it wasn't to be. Ashley Rayner's injury hampered the Willoughby cause and we hope that he is recovered for the weekend. We certainly did ourselves proud, though and didn't embarrass ourselves in front of the assembled officials, players and supporters.
A few of us stuck around for the day to watch the other semi and the final and took some consolation from seeing The Merchants beaten by Newbold in the final.
A jolly good day out and thanks to all the players for a top effort. Even Eric was mildly impressed by our performance :)
Good try lads!