CRICKET: RUGBY prevailed in an entertaining Rugby & District Cricket League Cup Under 15s Final on Sunday at Barby against Willoughby.
Willoughby won the toss and opted to field first.
After a bright opening by Rugby, Willoughby were rewarded with a flurry of wickets that saw Rugby lose their first wicket at 32 – only to then be reduced to 57/6.
Rugby opener Jack Crinigan was the last of those wickets to fall after a measured innings of 28 which ultimately proved a major difference and also earned him the man of the match award.
Teammate Henry King added late support with a valuable 14 as Rugby were bowled out for 98 with five balls of the innings remaining.
Archie McMillan (15/3) starred with the ball while Jake Quinney and Dan Farrow took two wickets apiece.
In reply, Willoughby lost opener Sam Middlemiss early and then saw their other top order wickets fall at regular intervals as Rugby’s opening attack bowled with good pace and discipline.
Quinney (10) and Callum Hanks looked to have eased the pressure and recovered the situation until both fell in quick succession.
As the run rate increased, Michael Deery did his best to push Willoughby close with a well-worked joint top score of ten.
But it was in vain as Willoughby, although seeing out their overs, closed 26 runs adrift on 72/9.
Rugby bowler Henry King took three wickets for just 13 runs while Euan Walker also caused damage to Willoughby’s hopes – ending with figures of 11/2.
Max Johnson also got stuck in with two wickets for just ten runs.
After the game, both teams thanked each other for a well spirited contest while RDCL chairman Ian Randle received a special mention as did Barby CC for hosting the event.
