Egerton 1sts Away

Westhoughton 1st XI collapsed to their lowest total of the season after a delayed start away at Egerton, but it could have been even worse but for a late fightback from the tail.
Having lost the toss and being put in to bat on a damp wicket, the first sign of how the afternoon would go came with only the 8th ball of the game as Ste Parker was run out backing up at the non-strikers end without a run on the board for Westhoughton. What followed was a tough 25 minutes for Ian Pilkington and Stephen Murdoch (12) who fought a losing battle against the tough conditions and some accurate bowling with Pilky falling with only 7 runs on the board. Westhoughton moved to 14-2 before Ste was dismissed. The next time they scored a run, they had fallen to 16-7 with Dan Naylor, Kieran Paisley, Mike Entwistle and Rob Brown all out for 0. Things soon got even worse with Rob Houghton joining them back in the pavillion for 0 with Westhoughton staring down the barrel at 16-8. Paul Hart (26) offered some resistance added by Kieran Edwards and Dan Reeve, partnerships of 19 and 22 respectively, to take Westhoughton to 57 all out in the 30th over.
What followed wasn't much better as Egerton were out to kill the game in quick style, moving to 20-0 inside two overs. Kieran Edwards then dismissed the Egerton Pro, Athulmathudali, for 12 having had a very loud LBW appeal turned down with him only on 2. Egerton moved to 57 before Paul Hart took the second wicket, but the game was soon over as Egerton reached 58-2 in only 9.4 overs.
This is a performance that Westhoughton will want to forget, but will hopefully use as their motivation to prove the doubters wrong and pick up a much needed victory before the season ends.
P.S. Congratulations to the 2nd XI on their achievement in the league this season!