1st XI WIN!!!

Yes, it's true, Westhoughton 1st XI not only beat Astley Bridge, but they did so in emphatic style. Having not won a game in the league since the 6th May, Westhoughton's first team players have been waiting for this moment and they certainly delievered for those who stuck by them.
Things weren't looking so good after four overs though as Astley Bridge had raced along to 27-0, smashing their way to this total with boundaries and one extra. Things soon began to calm down though as Nathan Blair took the first of his five wickets, a career best achievement (finishing with 5-86 from 24 overs), after Pro Stephen Murdoch took a sharp catch at backward point. The same duo were involved in an almost instant replay like dismissal to give Nathan a second wicket. By this time Bridge were 41-2 from 12 overs, and didn't lose another wicket until the 28th over when Nathan claimed his third wicket after a good catch from Rob Brown. Two quick wickets followed on 92 and 93 with Paul Hart picking up one of the wickets along with Nathan. Having reached 116-5, Bridge lost yet another two wickets to leave Westhoughton in control and looking to chase at most 140. They hadn't counted on Chris McGuinness though who smashed his way to 23* from only 24 balls. However, Bridge were most thankful to Paul Hart who conceded 22 wides, having only gone for 57 runs in total! Bridge ended up all out for 170 as Kieran Edwards took the last two wickets to finish with 2-22.
In response, Westhoughton got off to a decent start as Ste Parker (44) and Rob Houghton (17) added 36 for the first wicket before Rob was dismissed caught behind. What followed was a mix of luck and experience paying off for Westhoughton as Parker was dropped four times on his way to 44, and alongside Ian Pilkington (25) moved the score to 88-1 before both fell within two overs, Westhoughton now 88-3 and a few worries creeping in after last weeks batting display to forget against Egerton. This weeks game was a totally different equation though as Dan Naylor (40*) produced a seasons best score alongside Pro Stephen Murdoch (35*) as they eased Westhoughton home without giving away any clear cut chances whilst always remaining up, and mostly ahead of, the run rate. This victory was well earnt for the lads who could have easily had a couple more under their belts this season. Congratulations lads! Lets hope the 1st XI can now use this as a spring board to win next weeks game vs Walkden and more importantly take it into the 2013 season.