League and Cup woe for Widnes

National Knockout Cup Widnes CC v Leek CC Leek won by 3 Wickets

- BY CHRIS ROWBOTTOM

WIDNES suffered disappointment on Sunday when they were dumped out of the National Cup by Leek from the North Staffs and South Cheshire Premier League.

Batting first, Widnes got off to a solid start with openers Rohan Luthra and Aaron Soni making 42 and 43 respectively.

The problem was that runs were only coming at a rate of just over four per over.

Luke McCoy injected some much-needed momentum, with a quick fire 61. Matty Burns chipped in with 23 and with Louis Burns making 14 and Owen Price 19.

Widnes completed their 40 overs on 214 for seven wickets. It was a score many observers felt was below par, and so it proved.

Leek opener Mat Camp-bell made a brisk 64 and, despite losing three wickets, they had Sam Slater make 52 and Kieran Carra a quick 40, to put themselves within sight of victory.

It was left to Oscar Edwards and Jos Hudson to hit the winning runs with two overs to spare.

The Widnes cause was not being helped by gifting 32 runs in extras.

The Cup loss came a day after defeat in the Premier League at home agasint Chester Boughton Hall, who won by three wickets.

It is worrying times for Widnes, as they fell to their fourth successive league defeat, leaving them firmly bottom at the league table.