Under 13s season opener sees cup exit to Rugby

After the previous week’s scheduled season opener at Oakfield and Rowland was postponed due to a wet pitch, it was good to get the new look Under 13s out onto the pitch for their first game, even if it ended up being for just over a scheduled game.

You could say the game and season got off to the perfect start with Charlie Cook claiming a wicket with the very first ball of the match with Rugby’s opener captain providing Hammad Mirza with a catch. However the visitor’s number 2, 3 and 4 were to go to make 20+ run scores. All of Willoughby’s fielders got a chance to bowl with varying success, Hayden Davies and Dannie Williams taking wickets to see off batsmen 3 and 4, before Oliver Knight came on to take two wickets in the latter overs. Rugby closing on 135 for 4, aided by 54 in extras (!)

So a big task ahead for Willoughby to reply to although the black clouds which had threatened throughout the opening hour of play now loomed menacingly overhead. Nevertheless our innings got underway albeit briefly and after two quick wickets fell leaving us at 13 for 2, the rain started, got heavier and stayed.

With conditions getting worse by the minute, both managers agreed to call a halt to the night's events with the prospect of any further play not possible; Rugby progressing to the next round of the Cup effectively on faster run rate.