After the disappointment of a rained out fixture last year there was much excitement when the day dawned to a spectacular blue sky.

The pitch was true to form and the outfield lightning fast so The Willows had no hesitation in requesting the boys to don the whites and get out into the sunshine. We were then blessed with some wonderful strokeplay from Fraser Hill who peppered the extra cover boundary as he marched to an inevitable century. He was ably assisted by 2015 Matfen Scholar, James D’Arcy.

The Shirley boys toiled long and hard but had no answer to the onslaught. Eventually after 50 overs The Willows had amassed 273 for 6. Fortunately the tail was not exposed!

The Willows attacked the young lads. It was the spin of Ben Michel, a Shirley boy in 2014, who soon had the boys on the back foot. The boys were challenged by the experience of Ryan Burson who managed to upset the neatly arranged stumps on a couple of occasions. In the field Bert Walker was light on his feet and graceful to watch. The Willows were entertained by Bert’s storytelling and his great ability to remember cricketing trivia.

The boys were eventually all out for 212 in the 44th over. Our thanks go to match officials Matthew, Bernie and Tony. A glorious day of fellowship and camaraderie.