The Willoughby second XI started their new league campaign away at Oakfield and Rowlands B. On a showery May Day, skipper James Andrews went 2 for 2 on tosses and elected to bat.
A new opening pair was required due to Matt Cartridge running late due to train troubles, so Stu Hall and Sam woods went out to open, Willoughby were reduced to 28 for 2 off 6 overs after losing both openers early on. Then Ambrose Deery came in and showed another enterprising innings with a quick fire 20. Willoughby were 74 for 5 with just 4 overs left, with James and Luke Francis at the crease. Willoughby eventually finished 99 for 7 off 16 overs with an inventive 16 not out from the skipper.
Willoughby took to the fielding expecting that they would need to take 10 wickets to win the game as they felt 10 to 15 runs short. The opening bowlers of Ryan Lines and Sean Thornton toiled hard but after 4 overs the hosts were 27 for 0. So, on came Matt Cartridge and Harry Lacey who produced a magnificent 8 over spell between them of 2 for 34 off 8 overs which brought Willoughby back into the game. The hosts were left with 38 to win off the last 4 overs, which saw the return of Sean and Ryan. Willoughby successfully defended the total of 99, winning by 23 runs, which saw excellent figures from all with Harry, Sean and Matt all picking up one wicket a piece and Ryan picking up 2.
This was a positive start top the season for the 2’s and gives the team confidence for their away fixture against North Kilworth next Tuesday.