So Close Yet So Far.....

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, Tonge were the visitors to St George's Oval and they elected to field first. The Westhoughton batters were hoping for some time at the crease and it looked like a perfect afternoon for batting as 30 runs were on the board after 3 overs. Unfortunately, Dan Naylor (12) was out caught soon after. What followed was Rob Houghton and Mark Atherton looking to cash in on the Tonge bowlers. Both passed 50 and they shared a partnership of 126 before Mark was caught for 71. Rob went on his way as Oliver Newby (16) came and went quickly. Soon Rob was joined by Rob Brown (44) as the two put on 78 for the 4th wicket before Rob fell for 99 as he mistimed his shot off a full toss and was dismissed for 99 much to the disappointment of all the Westhoughton faithful who were eagerly anticipating his century. Westhoughton finished on 316-7 from their 45 overs.
Tonge were never really in the game in terms of chasing down the total as wickets fell consistently throughout the innings but it was a useful exercise for getting some overs under the belts of Newby (2-19 from 9 overs), Dan Higham (2-24 from 7 overs), Mark Atherton (2-28 from 9 overs) and Rob Brown (1-23 from 9 overs). Whilst the result was never in doubt, the fielding display was well below par with numerous dropped chances and misfields which, had the game been a bit closer, may not have occurred.
Westhoughton advance to the next round of the NKO, details to be confirmed soon.