Welcome again to South West schools for their second annual fixture. A tinge of green greeted us on our return for the second half of the season. My tail down after a two ball duck for Hawkswood I was looking forward to catching up with familiar faces and getting back into playing in the “V”. Who of us is not feeling invigorated by Kane Williamson and our national team’s performances over the last 18 months?

Batting first, Michael Newton-Vesty led the way with a fantastic 100 off only 70 balls. His crunching drives and a severe pull shot characterised this dominant performance. Kelly, McConnell (torn hamstring) and Dixon all retired with cameos and Southwest rallied well to dismiss us in the 48th over for 296. L Charles fought hard to snare 3/42 and M Paltridge finished with 2/39. Holding a few catches would have made a big difference.

Hayden Day bowled with superb control and some genuine pace to destroy any hope of the Southwest putting together a chase and finished with outstanding figures of 5/27, securing his name a place on the honours board. Dan Vedder supported him well with 2/7 and Gareth Reed chimed in with 2/17.

Many thanks to Dave Biddick for his work in the southwest. We were privileged to have Brian and Fiona O’Sullivan visiting from England, who presented the club with memorabilia given to them by Dick Brittenden fondly remembered as the doyen of sporting journalism.