The Willows played Shirley Boys’ High School in overcast and at times wet conditions, but managed to get through a good day of cricket.

The Willows batted first and lost their first wicket in the first over bowled by the skipper Cameron Clement. Dan Vann and Willows debutant Mike Pauling combined for a partnership of 99. This was interrupted by rain and there was quite a period where the covers were put on and no play was possible. An early lunch was taken and on the resumption of play Dan Vann was out for 47 but Pauling continued on to 61. Chris Mugford batted through to the end of the innings, which was reduced to 38 overs. He hit the ball well to be 78 not out and combined with Tim McConnell who was 44 not out. Shirley Boys’ bowling overall was too inconsistent, but Marek Bungard and Brad Entwistle worked hard. Matt Kendall was the pick of the bowlers picking up 3/45 off eight overs. The Willows finished on 269/4.

Shirley Boys’ got off to a slow start and were put under considerable pressure by good Willows bowling. Unfortunately, they lost wickets at regular intervals, with the best partnership of 61 between Brad Entwistle and Cameron Clement. Entwistle batted well for his 55. Nigel Marsh and Grant Stewart bowled well for The Willows, but the best bowling was from Carl Hooper with 4/20. Shirley Boys’ were eventually bowled out for 127 in the 37th over.

Thank you to the umpires and also to the parents of the Shirley boys. It was also good to see a number of Shirley Boys’ old boys involved in the game.