CRICKET: A TOP end batting collapse opened the door for Bodicote as Willoughby crashed to a seven wicket loss on Saturday.
Willoughby were reduced to 13/4 at one stage when openers Ian Hughes and Martin Nichols fell for one and six runs respectively.
James Barnwell and Ben Hollis could only add one run between them as Willoughby were made to reflect what could’ve been after losing the toss on the road.
Matthew Smart and Goss attempted to get Willoughby back into the game, but when Smart fell for 14 runs after being bowled by Barlow it further damaged the visitors innings as they were left at 29/5.
Skipper Simon Nicholls came in to top score with 21, his partnership with Matthew Goss helped guide Willoughby past 50.
Goss was then caught and bowled by Barlow to leave tailenders Frank Claydon and Arun Panneerselvam with the job of helping Willoughby limp past 100.
Josh Gregson was the last batsman to fall for one as Willoughby were skittled out for 104, 19 of those runs coming from extras.
Though the game appeared lost, Simon Nicholls’ side failed to give in.
Though Bodicote opener Miller hit a stand out 41, he rapidly lost partners mid-way through the innings – and at one stage Bodicote found themselves at 44/3.
But level heads ensured the home side hit the winning runs with 15 overs remaining as Hawkins and Graham guided Bodicote past the 104 required to win.
2ND XI
Willoughby’s second string woes continued as Bodicote completed a club double on the day with a comfortable victory at The Green.
Batting first, Sean Thornton and Ian Button put on 85 for the first wicket for the hosts, but their departures for 47 and 50 respectively then saw no back up from a depleted batting order.
Only Fergus Derry (15*) made it into double figures as Willoughby were bowled out for 153.
In reply, the visitors suffered an early wicket but Ash Mamood (53) and Tim Gower (55) put on 89 for the third wicket to guide Bodicote to their target with five overs to spare.
Kamesh Ganti’s return of one wicket for 24 runs off ten overs proved to be the best of the home side’s bowling attack.
