WESTHOUGHTON would have been forgiven for feeling a touch sorry for themselves heading into Sunday’s preliminary round Hamer Cup tie against Little Hulton at St George’s Oval.

On Saturday, the Howfeners failed to chase 89 against Horwich in the Premiership, losing by 26 runs.

And, as Hamer Cup holders, it would not have been unreasonable to expect them to be one of the 12 teams handed direct passage into round two later this month.

But, determined to look on the bright side, they chased a testing target of 187 to beat Little Hulton with 18.5 overs to spare.

“I wouldn’t say Saturday was a disaster, but it wasn’t our usual standard,” admitted captain Rob Houghton. “It wasn’t nice to lose like that, but every credit to Horwich. They performed well and deserved to win.

“It was gutting and added a different dimension to Sunday. But we got back out there and did the business.

“Having not chased 80-odd, it was pleasing to knock off 187.

“At the end of the day, we won this trophy last year and want it locked in our safe again this time next year.

“No disrespect to Little Hulton at all, but when we found out that we were playing in the preliminary round as holders, we questioned it. It was a surprise.

“Should the holders not go straight into the main draw? No, it’s an open draw.

“It could have quite easily been a situation of ‘What are we doing here, we hold this title’. But, to be fair to the lads, we got on with it.

“Thankfully, we’re into the main draw.

“We’re not bothered who we play, we’ll face anybody. We’d obviously prefer to play at home, but we know we can beat anybody if we perform.”

After winning the toss, Association side Little Hulton’s 186-4 was built around Tajamul Khan’s unbeaten 61 off 91 balls, including two fours and as many sixes.

He was helped out by 37 from Harnish Patel and 36 from Habib ur Rehman.

Westhoughton skipper Houghton then helped get the chase off to a solid start with 30, sharing an opening stand of 92 with Matt Morris before, he offered: “I found out I’m getting a bit fatter and slower by running myself out.”

Morris and Rob Brown finished the game off with an unbroken stand of 95 in only 14.2 overs. Morris top-scored with 61 off 90 balls and Brown added 57 off 50.

“They got a few more than we anticipated,” added Houghton. “They had a little surge late in their innings, which got them to a very competitive score.

“Thankfully myself and Matty opened up and got us off to a good start. It made a massive difference.

“Matty and Rob were superb. Rob played with real freedom and Matty was solid.

“Matty’s been sensational all weekend. He was unlucky on Saturday that nobody stuck with him (only man in double figures against Horwich with 34).

“It was fairly comfortable in the end, but it could have been a lot harder.”