A very young but enthusiastic Shirley Boys’ side took on a strong Willows side, with a number of players having strong links to the school as either old boys or coaches of the school. The Willows batted first and made a steady start with Dan Vann and Mark Reid seeing off the opening attack who bowled well. Both fell in the 20s. Paul Miller then made a positive start only to fall soon after for 32. At 88/4 the match was in the balance but two excellent partnerships between Tom McDonald (71), Grant Stewart (46) and Jason Pawson (32*) took the initiative to The Willows. All of the Shirley bowlers toiled well and were steady, the stand outs being Q Bungard and young Jayden Hooper taking 1/22 off 10 overs.

In reply, Shirley also made a steady start with all of the top four making starts and at 140/3 they were in an excellent position. The Willows, despite not taking early wickets, began to build run rate pressure through steady bowling. Wickets then began to fall in the pursuit of increasing the run rate. Shirley Boys’ Associate Headmaster, Tim Grocott, was the key destroyer for The Willows and will have bragging rights around the school taking 3-43 from 10 overs. Jason Pawson also picked up two key wickets. Shirley eventually ran out of overs and fell 28 runs short. Skipper Brad Entwistle (68) led the way with the bat as well as Mitchell Barry (38). It was another match played in great spirit and it was pleasing to see such a young side competing very well.