A SWEEPING eight-wicket victory over Podington Seconds meant Willoughby began their Northamptonshire League Division Six campaign in style last weekend.
Willoughby’s bowlers and fielders put in a stellar showing to see off their visiting opponents for just 80 runs in 34 overs, allowing Ben Hollis’ side to romp to a straightforward success for the loss of just two wickets in 22 overs.
Following an abandoned fixture at Rothwell Town Seconds in their league opener the previous week, the Woolscott Road outfit were keen to get up and running and so ordered Podington’s batsmen to the crease to gain an early advantage with conditions uninspiring.
With the new ball in hand, Dan Farrow (2-9) and Callum Hanks (5-25) set about their work in impressive fashion, the latter running through the visitors’ middle order to cause panic throughout the Podington ranks.
With away skipper David Lloyd-Jones top-scoring with a measly 22, it was always likely that Willoughby were going to limit their rivals to a lowly score – although the final tally after Jake Quinney (2-36) took the final wicket still caused great surprise.
In reply, the hosts initially struggled as Chait Kurusala (15) and Scott Cluley (4) were both dismissed by Tom Hart (2-14) within the space of four balls.
Overcoming their early setback, Willoughby’s Ashley Rayner (12) and Martyn Norman (31) prevented any doubt from creeping in by putting on 60 runs for the third wicket to win the tie.
Stony Stratford will now welcome Willoughby to Campbell Park for their next fixture on Saturday.
