A close call for The Willows.

After 4 overs, The Willowers were contemplating a short day with King’s High being 3 down for 13 with our two school boy bowlers Matthew McEwan and Thomas Agnew knocking the top off the King’s top order. What The Willows weren’t expecting was the aggressive attitude of the King’s High School team.

After 15 overs they were 91 for 3 wickets. The scoring momentum was continued throughout the innings but unfortunately for King’s High, they kept losing wickets to be all out for 207 off just 37 overs. A. Thompson, J. McAuslan and T. Rodden all scored freely but it was the run out of Rodden that was the costly wicket for King’s.

A total of 207 looked well within the site of The Willows line up but it lost wickets regularly with batsmen getting a start but not going on, except A Johnstone who batted well for his 57.

King’s High bowled and fielded well and when the game looked over at 174 for 6, to their credit, they did not lie down. At 200 for 8 after 48 overs they were very keen in the field and with Michael Owens, who is not known for his run making prowess, walking to the wicket they must have felt that they had a chance. At 205, with The Willows needing 2 runs to win off 5 balls, Owens was bowled. In comes Paul Rutledge with 4 balls left and 2 runs needed, then 3 balls and still 2 runs required. This was followed by a quick single and then a bouncer from the young bowler which was not a good option as he did not realise that one of Paul McEwan’s best shots was the hook, hence the game finished with 4 runs played backward of square.

A great game which every player enjoyed. Well done to King’s High School – you played very well but remember to bat your overs.