This was a great game of cricket. Shirley Boys’ High won the toss and elected to bat and put on 263/8 at the end of 50 overs. The backbone of their innings was a 94 run partnership for the second wicket between Keryn Ambler and Dane Yesberg. The Willows bowling attack was blunted by an injury to our only pace bowler, Brandon Hini, after he had bowled five avers. From there on the combined spin skills of Mark Priest, Carl Anderson and lain Robertson formed the foundation for the Willows team to slow the progress of one of the better Shirley Boys’ High batting line ups in recent seasons. Mark Priest showed that he had lost none of his ability, taking 2/31 off eight overs. Shirley Boys’ High teacher, Rob Wilson-Pyne had two avers to make an impression on his pupils, but it would have to be said on this occasion, the pupils had the upper hand. Ben Yock had an interesting variety of deliveries, none of which were terribly successful, but in the end took 1/42 from five avers. The Willows captain showed true leadership being prepared to bowl himself at the death to record figures of 2/22 off two overs.

So the challenge therefore was for the Shirley Boys’ High bowlers to restrict an impressive Willows batting line up. The winning runs were achieved in the 48th over for the loss of seven wickets. Derek and Wade Burrell got the team off to a bright start putting together 35 for the first wicket. Useful partnerships continued throughout the day with Mark Priest completing a fine all round performance of 77 not out when the winning runs were scored. Ben Yock compiled a hard hitting 43 before he was brilliantly caught by Keryn Ambler in the covers. Dane Yesberg was the best of the Shirley bowlers taking 3/54 off 10 overs .

This was a game that was “nip and tuck” right to the end with Shirley Boys’ High perhaps just one wicket away from exposing the Willows tail. If that had occurred, then Shirley Boys’ High might have recorded its first victory over the Willows in three years. That they didn’t will no doubt be put down to experience and to harden their resolve for next year.